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Glossary

API (Application Programming Interface)

A defined contract that lets one software system call functionality or data from another.

Definition

An API is a contract — a set of endpoints, message formats and authentication rules — that lets one piece of software request data or behaviour from another. Modern APIs are typically HTTP-based REST or GraphQL APIs, secured with bearer tokens (OAuth 2.0, API keys), versioned and documented (OpenAPI, GraphQL schema). Internal APIs glue microservices together; public APIs let partners build on your platform.

Why it matters

API design is durable design — once partners depend on it, breaking changes are expensive. Investing in clear resource models, idempotent endpoints, sensible error formats and proper versioning pays for itself for years.

See also

SaaS (Software as a Service)

Software delivered over the internet on a subscription, typically multi-tenant and accessed via a browser or app.

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SSO (Single Sign-On)

Authentication scheme that lets users sign in once with one identity provider and access many applications.

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