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In today’s digital era, many of our daily activities may use web APIs, both in completing professional work and personal needs. For smooth performance, regular Web/API monitoring by a reliable service is required. Check out more info about web APIs below.

Definition of Web API

Web API or Web Service API is a type of application programming interface that allows web browsers and web servers to communicate with each other. Web API is a set of rules and protocols that define how applications interact with each other over HTTP or HTTPS. 

Many people use the World Wide Web on a daily basis and web APIs are an important part of it. Web APIs are used to integrate applications with web-based services such as social media, streaming services, and other online platforms. APIs act as intermediaries between applications, allowing applications to communicate with each other and even share data. 

Web APIs are stateless, meaning they do not store user data or information. This makes web APIs more efficient and convenient for developers who need to access data from multiple sources. Designed with a lightweight architecture, the web API is more suitable for smaller devices, such as smart phones. 

The web API supports HTTP and HTTPS protocols, and URL request headers that allow services to reach various clients over the web. The web API format is very flexible for all communication styles. With the growing popularity of APIs and the growing variety of applications, businesses are increasingly relying on web APIs to develop scalable applications.  

How APIs Work

API communication works in a way that there is a request from the client and the server responds to complete the request. The application that sends the request is the client, and the server provides the response. The API serves as a bridge that establishes a connection between the two. 

APIs work by sharing data between applications, systems, and devices through a request and response cycle that can be explained as follows:

  • Request

The client sends a request to the API server, usually over the internet or local network. The client must format the request according to the API endpoint protocol and schema. 

  • Process

The API server receives the request and processes it. The API endpoint authenticates the API client and validates the API schema.

  • Respons

The API server sends a response back to the client. The response can include data, error messages, or status codes indicating the result of the operation.

A simple way to understand how an API works is by looking at the most common example, which is third-party payments. When users purchase products on an e-commerce website, the site may ask users to pay using a specific method, such as PayPal. This function relies on the API to connect with third-party payments, here are the steps: 

  • When the buyer clicks the payment button, an API call is sent to retrieve information, referred to as a request. The request is then processed from the application to the web server through the API Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). After receiving a valid request from the product web page, the API calls an external program or web server, in this case, a third-party payment system.
  • The server sends a response to the API with the requested information.
  • The API transfers data to the initial requesting application, in this case, the e-commerce platform or the website of the purchased product.
  • Although data transfer varies depending on the web service used, all requests and responses occur through the API. There is no visibility on the user interface, meaning the API exchanges data within the computer or application, and to the user, it will appear as a very seamless connection.

The Advantages of Web API for Business

The implementation of APIs is very common for modern businesses today. Of course, regular API monitoring is necessary to ensure its performance remains good. But what makes web APIs so important for businesses? Web API offers various advantages for business operations. Here are some of its advantages:

1. Reducing Development Efforts

Because the demand for new applications continues to increase, companies are looking for quick ways to create prototypes and new software. The use of web APIs can significantly reduce the time and effort required for web-based application development. Companies can easily enhance the functionality of applications by linking to third-party APIs and accessing their data.

2. Simpler Maintenance

API is a third-party interface, and companies don’t need to worry about maintenance and timely updates. The company’s application will call the API and retrieve the necessary data. The company only needs to focus on maintaining the unique application functionality for their business.

3. Authority

Applications that use popular APIs are more easily accepted and trusted by users. This application has a higher authority factor and level of trust. Thus, web-based enterprise applications that use APIs tend to be used more frequently.

4. Improvement of Security

API provides a secure gateway for information exchange between applications and data exchange. If a company integrates a web API from a trusted source, the application’s security will be enhanced because it is under direct supervision from a remote server. Additionally, third-party APIs are generally protected by various layers of security. Information exchange can also be encrypted to enhance system security.

5. Improving User Comfort

By using web APIs, businesses can create effective ways to interact with customers. This is especially important now when consumers demand high-quality experiences. The main goal of using APIs in development is to enhance the user experience when using the company’s applications.

By leveraging the power of external APIs, your company offers functionality to users that is not part of the original application. API acts as a bridge between the original application and third-party services. For example, many brands use AI-based APIs to offer personalized recommendations for users.

6. Encouraging Innovation

Whatever the industry, every business always needs innovation because it is the aspect that provides a competitive advantage for the company. Innovation also plays a crucial role in the success of a company. APIs are a great resource to encourage companies to continue innovating and implementing the latest technologies with limited resources.

Web API has various advantages for modern businesses to ensure smooth operational activities and increased customer satisfaction. Ensure its performance remains smooth so that business operations continue well without downtime with monitoring services from  Netmonk. Used by various large companies in the country, visit the Netmonk website for more detailed feature information.