What is an API (Application Programming Interface)?

An API allows multiple pieces of software, or applications to interact and obtain data from one another.

A very good example is a map app. When you use this application to get directions going to a certain place (using the exact location). The API has access to the map and flow of traffic and returns it as its response. The application then goes through the map data and displays the current traffic and map information based on how the user wants to see it (an example is the user can opt to get the directions by looking at the map or by listening to voiced directions with traffic updates from different recorded voices on the app)

Internal API

It's an API that is used within a company or organisation. Most companies that offer their services can choose to make portions of the API accessible to the public depending on the features of their app. Users within that organisation can leverage an internal API to share data and business logic. Any company with both web and smartphone apps likely has an internal API.

External API

Many organisations, mostly big ones provide access to their APIs. The limit of the access they share depends on the services they offer.

One good example is Facebook, they provide APIs that allow developers to embed features of their apps on the site so Facebook users can access them without leaving the app or site.

Qintil API

The Qintil API can be used to synchronise data between two systems. For example, user names and course completion dates could be transferred between Qintil and an HR system. You would only need to enter the data once so the process is quicker and the error rate is lower.

If you would like more information about the Qintil API please contact developers@qintil.com

Updated on: 18/02/2021