Keeping in mind that not everyone is well versed in the technology subjects, let's start with the basic question of what is an API? Application programming interface "API" is generally a set of protocols, tools, and methods of enhancing communication between a wide range of software. This helps in managing software applications from the developers' side of view. Having known what API is all about, API integration is how different applications can be linked to enhance communication and common functionality. This saves on time as well as syncing data from one application to the other.
API integration services are vital because building automated workflows of different applications erases the manual labor in industries since data input is automated. This enables staff to concentrate on core activities at work and mainly saves on time.Ultimately, there is open API, API for mobile applications, API for the cloud as well as API for web-based services. Firstly, the open API is whereby a firm publishes its software to be freely shareable among various users. For instance, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and twitter use open API to enhance sharing communication. Secondly, API for mobile applications helps users to keep track of their data usages as well as maintenance of accounts and reports statements among others.
There is also API for the cloud that allows the software to appeal data from services through a cross-platform edge. It is generally used to incorporate apps into the cloud. Lastly, API for web-based services acts as a link for the webserver to web browsers and it's mainly used for the development of HTTP services to enable devices compatibility.
The process of API integration
- Firstly, the integration of applications with cloud services, for instance, Google drive or dropbox helps improve user experiences thus the first step is optimizing user experience.
- Secondly, secure and determine the type of authentications tool the end-user requires.
- Determine the data fields that are germane to your application using discovery APIs.
- Consider whether the API design needs to house discovery and mapping of the custom data items to your application data model.
- The default mapping of standard data as well as providing users with the ability to map custom data objects into the application.
- Transformation of data through the translation of data between applications and users' data structure.
- Determine the methods that the application needs to create, retrieve, update, delete or search. This helps to reduce the management of multifaceted data synchronization.
- Implementing and updating data to provide a continuous integration of user experience.
- Determine the synchronization of data between your apps and the resultants.
- Support, management, and maintenance of the integration.
Benefits of API integration services
- Best user experience is enhanced
- Accuracy and fast business processes execution through automation of work.
- Flexibility in delivery of communication.
- The availability of data in all managerial levels in organizations is automatically generated.
- Efficiency in the distribution of data is also enhanced through API integration services.
- Flexibility in the provision of services to users considering the changes that occur often in technology.
