What is an API ?
API (Application programming Interface is a software interface that allows two applications to interact with each other without any user intervention. API is a collection of software functions and procedure. In simple terms, API means a software code that can be accessed or executed. API is defined as a code that helps two different software’s communicate and exchange data with each other.
Types of API
- Open API’s : Also know as public api’s. These API’s are publicly avialable and there are no restrictions to access them.
- Partner API’s: These API’s are not publicly available, so you need specific rights or licenses to access them.
- Internal API’s: Internal or private. These API’s are developed by companies to use their internal systems. It helps you to enhance the productivity of your teams.
- Composite API’s: This type of API combines different data and service API’s.
Web Service API’s
SOAP: XML format is used for communication by web applications.
REST: It makes use of HTTP to GET, POST, PUT, DELETE data. most common content type is JSON. To know more, please read my blog on REST.
JSON-RPC : It uses JSON for data transfer and is light weight.
XML-RPC: It is based on XMLand uses HTTP for data transfer. This API is widely used to exchange information between two or more networks.
Examples of API:
- Google Maps API
- Razorpay API
- Stock Chart API
- Youtube API
Features of API.
- It offers valuable service(data, functions, audience)
- It helps you to plan a business model.
- Simple, flexible and quick.
- Managed and measured.
- Offers great developer support.
API Testing tools
- Postman: Postman is a plugin in google chrome. It is a powerful HTTP client to check web services. For manual or exploratory testing, Postman is a good choice for testing API.
- Ping API: Ping API is a API testing tool which allows us to write test script in JavaScript or CoffeeScript to test API’s. It enables inspecting the HTTP API call with complete request and response.
