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Application Programming Interface

n.

Pronunciation

/ˌæpləˈkeɪʃən ˈpɹoʊɡɹæmɪŋ ˈɪntərˌfeɪs/

Acronym

API

Definition

An interface of defined communication protocols used in building software applications. They enable systems to transmit data between software programs, computer hardware and other systems. API’s send requests to and receive data transmission responses from external systems. All web services are APIs.

One example eCommerce API is Amazon’s Product Advertising API, which makes Amazon product information like item data, reviews, and promotions available for use in systems external to Amazon.

Category

Technology

Related Terms

eCommerce, Web Services

Product Information Encyclopedia

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