Application Programming Interface (API) Glossary Definition

In computer programming, an application programming interface (API) is a set of subroutine definitions, protocols, and tools for building application software. In general terms, it is a set of clearly defined methods of communication between various software components.

See also: API.

API is a Database concept associated with document-oriented storage, where information is organized in flexible document structures rather than only fixed relational tables. In MongoDB contexts, the term may also reflect platform-specific behavior or documentation conventions.

Application Programming Interface (API) is a Web browser concept used to retrieve, interpret, render, inspect, store, or interact with online resources.

Application Programming Interface (API) is an Enterprise integration concept used to connect applications, data, services, APIs, events, and business processes across systems.

This term is used in software engineering, programming, scripting, testing, application architecture, and development lifecycle work. It helps teams describe how software is designed, implemented, integrated, and maintained.

Developers and data architects use this concept when modeling flexible records, designing application data access, or scaling document-oriented systems.

Related concepts include Collection.

Developers, testers, support teams, and users encounter this concept when pages render differently across browsers, devices, settings, and extensions.

Related concepts include World Wide Web.

Additional Resource: MDN Web Docs Glossary.

Integration teams use this concept when designing interfaces, reducing point-to-point complexity, and making data or process flows reliable across platforms.

Related concepts include Enterprise Architecture, Application Portfolio and Business Capability.

Additional Resource: IBM App Connect Glossary.