Types of APIs In Web Application Development

APIs or Application Programming Interfaces are rules and protocols that allow one program to access and work with the functions and data of another program. APIs are hogging the limelight because they let developers access the functionality of other programs without having to learn the code or the specific workings of that program.

APIs, thus, make it almost effortless for developers to build a new app or a part of it without triggering the bottom-up disruption across the whole architecture. With APIs, integration gets seeped deep into an organization, making it possible for the people to collaborate and make business decisions quickly. Plus, APIs allow third-party developers to build apps that integrate with the existing business apps, which in turn help them connect to a massive section of the audience and cast their service footprint wider.

However, one thing to keep in mind about APIs is that there are different APIs, and every software integration requires a different set of APIs. This article will discuss the different types of APIs and how they can help you deliver custom API development services on par.

  1. Types of APIs You Should Know
    1. OPEN APIs
    Open APIs (external or Public APIs) are available to use by all developers, so these APIs don’t require too much authentication or authorization and are limited in the assets applied. Open APIs help you share data with ease and flexibility to anyone over any network. Because of their lack of restrictions and ease of implementation, Open APIs are a favorite to third-party developers looking to leverage an API functionality for business gains quickly.
    2. INTERNAL APIs
    Internal APIs are private APIs that are only made available inside a company, and they're meant to simplify data transfers between different parts of the organization. By using internal APIs, you can reduce the time it takes to move data between different parts of your business, which will help speed up the process of working smarter.
    3. PARTNER APIs
    Partner APIs are shared externally, with only those having a business relationship with the company or the organization. Access control is limited, meaning only authorized clients with official licenses pass the bar to use partner APIs. Security measures are more comprehensive around partner APIs as compared to public APIs. Businesses prefer partner APIs: 1) greater control over resources and 2) more autonomy over how resources can be used.
    4. COMPOSITE APIs
    If you are in the business of custom API development services and web applications, you know integrating multiple APIs can be a time-consuming task. That is why composite APIs can be a boon for developers looking to combine various APIs into a unified response, making it easier to bundle calls and receive one unified response from different servers. This, in turn, makes it simple to handle large amounts of data and efficiently process your requests.


The Final Word
We have discussed different types of APIs used in web application development in the blog above. We believe that knowing the different kinds of APIs and how they can be used will help you choose the right one for your needs. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss your custom API development services project with us in further detail!