Glossary · A
API
Application Programming Interface
An interface for communication between software systems
What it means
An application programming interface defines how software components request information or actions from one another. An API describes available operations, inputs and outputs. Web APIs often expose these operations over HTTP, with authentication and access controls.
What it means for a business
An integration can use APIs to exchange orders, stock levels or customer records between an ERP, CRM and warehouse system. Available interfaces, permissions and rate limits determine what can be connected; files and messaging are other possible integration methods.