What is API ? | Types of API | Best Free API for your Projects

Prajwal Mandlik



What is API ?

A : Application

P : Programming

I  : Interface



Application Programming Interface (API) 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 procedures. 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 to communicate and exchange data with each other.


Types of APIs : 

  • Open APIs : Also known as public APIs. These API s are publicly available and there are no restrictions to access them.
  • Partner APIs : These APIs are not publicly available, so you need specific rights or licences to access them.
  • Internal APIs : Internal or private. These APIs are developed by companies to use in their internal systems. It helps you to enhance the productivity of your teams.
  • Composite APIs : This type of API combines different data and service APIs.

Web Services APIs :
  • SOAP : It defines messages in XML format used by web applications to communicate with each other.
  • REST : It makes use of HTTP to GET, POST, PUT or DELETE data. It is basically used to take advantage of the existing data.
  • JSON-RPC : It uses JSON for data transfer and is a light-weight remote procedural call defining field Data Structure types.
  • XML-RPC : It is based on XML and uses HTTP for data transfer. This API is widely used to exchange information between two or more networks.

Examples of API : 
  1. Razorpay API
  2. Google Maps API
  3. Spotify API
  4. Twitter API
  5. Weather API
  6. PayPal API
  7. PayTm API
  8. HubSpot API
  9. Youtube API
  10. Amazon's API
  11. Travel Booking API
  12. Stock Chart API

Features of API :
  • It offers a valuable service ( data , function , audience ).
  • It helps you to plan a business model.
  • Simple , flexible , quickly adopted.
  • Managed and measured.
  • Offers great developer support.

Best Free APIs for your Project : 

  • Movie DB API :

  • Mapbox API :

  • News API :

  • SERP API :

  • ILovePDF API :



I hope you will find this helpful.

Thanks For Reading !! 


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