An API (Application Programming Interface) lets software systems exchange data and functionality.
API Explained
Why API Matters
Enables integrations between platforms.
Where You'll Come Across It
Payment systems, apps, and integrations.
Practical Example
Connecting your site to Stripe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know about APIs as a business owner?
Not in technical detail, but understanding the concept is useful. When your developer says they'll "integrate with the payment API" or "connect to the booking API," they mean your website will communicate with another service to share data or functionality.
Are APIs secure?
Well-built APIs use authentication, encryption, and rate limiting to stay secure. Your developer should always use API keys securely, connect over HTTPS, and follow the provider's security best practices.
Can APIs break my website?
If an external API goes down or changes, it can affect the features that depend on it. Good developers build in error handling and fallbacks so your site degrades gracefully rather than breaking entirely if an API becomes unavailable.