What Is an API? How Website Services Connect
How does your website talk to another service? An API gives software a defined way to interact.
1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.
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The six points in the video
This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.
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Step 1: API means an interface
Application Programming Interface is the full name.
On-screen labels: Software interface; Defined features; Rules for interaction.
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Step 2: Start with a business task
A connection might fetch availability or send a booking.
On-screen labels: Useful task; Required information; Expected result.
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Step 3: Requests have a structure
Each service defines the information and operations it accepts.
On-screen labels: Request format; Allowed operation; Service response.
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Step 4: Access may need permission
Credentials and scopes control which actions are allowed.
On-screen labels: Authorised access; Limited permissions; Protected credentials.
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Step 5: Services can set limits
Check usage allowances and what happens if a request fails.
On-screen labels: Usage limits; Failure handling; Ongoing costs.
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Step 6: Agree who supports it
A connected service can change independently of your website.
On-screen labels: Service owner; Developer contact; Maintenance plan.
A practical check for your business
List the systems the website connects to and the information each connection exchanges. Test a normal request and a failed one, and make sure the business knows who maintains the integration.
Sources and further detail
Common questions
How does your website talk to another service?
An API gives software a defined way to interact. Know what the connection does and who maintains it.
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