API | Solutional Webdesign Antwerpen

TOUS 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

An Application Programming Interface (API^[4]) is a software intermediary that enables two applications to communicate with each other. APIs simplify the programming process by abstracting the underlying implementation and exposing only necessary objects or actions. This concept, dating back to the 1940s, has evolved to include hardware interfaces and has become crucial in modern software development^[1]. APIs are used for various purposes, including data exchange, operating system interactions, and combining services into new applications. They also play a significant role in business expansion and integration with third-party services. Proper designing, documentation, versioning, and security^[3] measures are essential aspects of API management. Furthermore, APIs have significant legal implications and are often targeted by cybercriminals. OpenAPI, a framework for API design, contributes to the standardization and interopérabilité^[2] of APIs.

Définitions des termes

1. ↑ software development. Software development is a structured process involving various methods, processes, phases, testing and production stages, as well as diverse personnel and tools. The methodologies include strategies like code-and-fix, iterative, waterfall, Agile, and DevOps, each suited for different project needs. The software development process consists of steps such as the software development life cycle, feasibility analysis, the analysis phase, design, and programming. The phases involve feasibility analysis, requirements analysis, detailed specifications, decomposition, and design. Testing and production encompass activities like code testing, debugging, quality assurance, production deployment, and bug fixing. Finally, the process requires team collaboration, effective communication, and the use of various tools such as Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE), Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), and version control systems. Intellectual property and licensing considerations are also crucial in software development.

2. ↑ interopérabilité. L'interopérabilité, dans le domaine des technologies et des systèmes, est la capacité de différents systèmes ou produits à fonctionner ensemble et à échanger des informations de manière transparente. Elle comprend différents types d'interopérabilité, tels que l'interopérabilité syntaxique, qui garantit des formats de données et des protocoles communs, et l'interopérabilité sémantique, qui permet une interprétation significative des données. L'interopérabilité interdomaines facilite l'échange de données entre plusieurs entités. Les normes d'interopérabilité facilitent la création de produits qui peuvent coopérer sans effort. L'interopérabilité a posteriori est importante dans les paysages concurrentiels où les produits dominants fixent les normes du marché. Les défis comprennent l'encombrement des données et l'absence de normes ouvertes, mais les solutions résident dans l'amélioration de l'interopérabilité de l'infrastructure et la promotion de normes ouvertes. L'interopérabilité spécifique à un secteur, comme dans les forces de l'OTAN ou les services d'administration en ligne, est cruciale pour une collaboration efficace et une prestation de services efficiente.

Articles connexes :

API (Wikipedia)

Un application programming interface (API) is a way for two or more computer programs or components to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of logiciel. A document or standard that describes how to build or use such a connection or interface is called an API specification. A computer system that meets this standard is said to implement ou expose an API. The term API may refer either to the specification or to the implementation. Whereas a system's interface utilisateur dictates how its end-users interact with the system in question, its API dictates how to write code that takes advantage of that system's capabilities.

In contrast to a interface utilisateur, which connects a computer to a person, an application programming interface connects computers or pieces of software to each other. It is not intended to be used directly by a person (the end user) other than a computer programmer who is incorporating it into the software. An API is often made up of different parts which act as tools or services that are available to the programmer. A program or a programmer that uses one of these parts is said to call that portion of the API. The calls that make up the API are also known as subroutines, methods, requests, or endpoints. An API specification defines these calls, meaning that it explains how to use or implement them.

One purpose of APIs is to hide the internal details of how a system works, exposing only those parts that a programmer will find useful, and keeping them consistent even if the internal details change later. An API may be custom-built for a particular pair of systems, or it may be a shared standard allowing interopérabilité among many systems.

There are APIs for programming languages, software libraries, computer systèmes d'exploitationet computer hardware. APIs originated in the 1940s, though the term did not emerge until the 1960s and 1970s. Contemporary usage of the term API often refers to web APIs, which allow communication between computers that are joined by the Internet. Recent developments in APIs have led to the rise in popularity of microservices, which are loosely coupled services accessed through public APIs.

Significations alternatives :

API
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It acts as a go-between, letting one software 'talk' to another by providing a defined method of communication. Over time, APIs have evolved from simple software component interfaces to include hardware and utility software. They come in various types such as open, internal, partner, and composite APIs. APIs play a vital role in the business world, enabling new revenue opportunities and partnerships. They are also often the subject of legal disputes regarding intellectual property rights. Crucially, APIs need to be well-documented to ensure developers can effectively understand and use them.

" Retour à l'index des glossaires