Application Programming Interface (API) Endpoint

An Application Programming Interface (API) Endpoint is an API component that provides API access (through specific URL or URI for API operation execution) to an API.

• AKA: API Access Point, API Resource, API Route, API Operation Endpoint.
• Context:
  • It can (typically) handle HTTP Method through REST operations.
  • It can (typically) process API Request using request handlers.
  • It can (typically) return API Response via response formats.
  • It can (typically) validate API Parameter through input validation.
  • It can (typically) enforce API Authentication using security checks.
  • It can (often) implement Rate Limiting for request control.
  • It can (often) cache API Response for performance optimization.
  • It can (often) log API Activity through activity tracking.
  • It can (often) handle API Error with error responses.
  • It can (often) support API Version via URL versioning.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Read-Only Endpoint to being a Read-Write Endpoint, depending on its operation type.
  • It can range from being a Public Endpoint to being a Private Endpoint, depending on its access scope.
  • It can range from being a Simple Endpoint to being a Complex Endpoint, depending on its functionality scope.
  • It can range from being a Stateless Endpoint to being a Stateful Endpoint, depending on its state management.
  • ...
  • It can integrate with API Gateway for request routing.
  • It can support API Documentation through endpoint specification.
  • It can utilize API Monitor for performance tracking.
  • It can implement API Cache for response caching.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • API Resource Types, such as:
    • Social Media APIs, such as:
      • Twitter API for social media integration at api.twitter.com.
      • Instagram API for content feed integration at graph.instagram.com.
      • Facebook API for social network integration at graph.facebook.com.
    • Payment APIs, such as:
      • PayPal API for payment processing at api-m.paypal.com.
      • Stripe API for transaction handling at api.stripe.com.
      • Square API for point of sale integration at connect.squareup.com.
    • Communication APIs, such as:
      • Twilio API for messaging service at api.twilio.com.
      • SendGrid API for email service at api.sendgrid.com.
      • MessageBird API for SMS integration at rest.messagebird.com.
  • Technology Service APIs, such as:
    • Mapping APIs, such as:
      • Google Maps API for location service at maps.googleapis.com.
      • Mapbox API for custom map rendering at api.mapbox.com.
    • Cloud Storage APIs, such as:
      • Dropbox API for file management at api.dropboxapi.com.
      • Box API for content management at api.box.com.
    • Database APIs, such as:
      • MongoDB Atlas API for NoSQL database operation at cloud.mongodb.com/api/atlas.
      • PostgreSQL API for relational database access via database drivers.
  • System Integration APIs, such as:
    • Operating System APIs, such as:
      • Windows API for windows resource management via system calls.
      • Linux API for linux system operation via system calls.
    • Development APIs, such as:
      • GitHub API for code management at api.github.com.
      • GitLab API for version control integration at gitlab.com/api/v4.
  • ...
  • API Resource Endpoints, such as:
    • CRUD Endpoints, such as:
      • [[GET /users/{id}]] for user data retrieval.
      • POST /products for product creation.
    • Collection Endpoints, such as:
      • GET /orders for order listing.
      • GET /customers for customer listing.
  • API Operation Endpoints, such as:
    • Business Operation Endpoints, such as:
      • [[POST /orders/{id}/process]] for order processing.
      • POST /payments/authorize for payment authorization.
    • System Operation Endpoints, such as:
      • POST /auth/login for user authentication.
      • GET /health for system health check.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • API Interface, which defines the complete API contract rather than a single access point.
  • API Route Handler, which implements endpoint logic rather than defines the endpoint interface.
  • API URL, which specifies the access location rather than the complete endpoint functionality.
• See: API Design, API Documentation, API Testing, API Security, API Gateway, HTTP Method, REST API, URL Pattern.

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References

2024-12-30

• Perplexity.ai
  • Question: What is an API? Explain its key characteristics, components, and popular examples. Include information about different implementation types and how they enable communication between applications.
  • Answer: An API is a set of rules, protocols, and tools that enables different software applications to communicate and exchange data with each other. It acts as a software intermediary that defines how applications can request and exchange services, features, and data.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • Purpose and Function:
        • Serves as a connection between computers or computer programs.
        • Hides internal system details while exposing only necessary parts to programmers.
        • Enables secure and controlled data exchange between applications.
      • Components:
        • Specification: Defines how information is exchanged between programs.
        • Implementation: The software interface that follows the specification.
        • Documentation: Technical instructions explaining how to work with the API.
    • Popular API Examples:
      • Social Media:
        • Twitter API: Enables bot creation, scheduling posts, and analytics tracking.
        • Instagram API: Allows businesses to integrate Instagram feeds with websites and enable direct shopping.
      • Technology Services:
        • Google Maps API: Enables embedding maps into websites and applications.
        • PayPal API: Handles transaction workflows, including payments, subscriptions, and invoicing.
        • Twilio API: Provides access to communication technology integration.
      • Cloud Services:
        • Dropbox API: Enables document storage and management functionality.
        • MongoDB API: Provides database operations interface for NoSQL databases.
    • Implementation Types:
      • Data API: Connect applications with database systems.
      • Operating System API: Define application usage of OS resources.
      • Remote API: Enable interaction between applications on different devices.
      • Web API: Transfer data and functionality over HTTP protocol.
  • Citations:

[1] https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/api
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Api
[3] https://blog.postman.com/top-30-apis-for-best-developer-experience/
[4] https://blog.dreamfactory.com/6-examples-of-apis-we-use-in-our-everyday-lives
[5] https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/api/
[6] https://katalon.com/resources-center/blog/api-examples
[7] https://www.techtarget.com/searchapparchitecture/definition/application-program-interface-API
[8] https://www.talend.com/resources/what-is-an-api/
[9] https://www.mulesoft.com/api/what-is-an-api
[10] https://www.altexsoft.com/blog/what-is-api-definition-types-specifications-documentation/

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