what is an api? - uganda
TRANSCRIPT
What is an API?
Date: 06:01:2011
What is an Open API?
An API provides a mechanism by which external programs can communicate with an internal software program and even access or exchange data.
APIs allows data exchange between websites, applications and organizations, while the data source remains in the same place. (Source: www.web2fordev.net).
APIs are more flexible and powerful than RSS feeds.
What is a mashup?
Applications built using APIs are commonly called ‘mashups’ – combine data and functionality from different programmes.
Mashups (usually) are about:
Combination
Visualization
Aggregation
In a mashup, the emphasis is on making already existing data more useful.
Some example APIs
