What is an API? It's a Language
What is an API? On the one hand, you can just look at the specific technology and how it connects applications talking to each other. Or you can look at it from the very high business level of providing access to digital capabilities that otherwise might be hard to access.
In this video, we look at an API as a language, and we specifically discuss how that language is not just relevant for the applications that exchange information, but that it more importantly is for developers who publish and/or consume APIs. In the end, an API is designed by developers, and the API description/documentation is intended to be consumed by developers. Of course, in the end it will be used for applications talking to each other, but first the developers need to exchange information.
Looking at an API this way helps you to appreciate the fact that documentation and developer experience (DX) are critical for API success: If developers cannot find APIs or cannot understand API documentation, they are likely not going to use an API. This means that you have to think about how to help developers, and then you will automatically help the success of your API.
This video is part of a series of videos all discussing "What is an API?". If you're interested other perspectives of how to look at an API, check out the other videos:
1. "What is an API? The Fundamentals" • What is an API? It's a Networked and Reusa...
2. "What is an API? APIs and Products" • What is an API? It's a Product
3. "What is an API? It's a Language!" • What is an API? It's a Language (this video)
4. "What is an API? It's a Promise!" • What is an API? It's a Promise