Introduction- What is an API?
An application programming interface (API) is a computing interface that defines interactions between multiple software in an IoT environment. It defines the kinds of calls or requests that can be made and how to make them. An API is a way to programmatically interact with a separate software component. They are little pieces of code that make it possible for digital devices and software to communicate with each other. This helps reduce the number of code developers needs to create, and also helps create more consistency across apps for the same platform. APIs can control access to hardware and software resources. An API expresses software in terms of its operation, input, and output. Moreover, It makes it easier to develop programs by providing all the building blocks.
Usage
There are 4 ways API can be implemented- Libraries and framework, Operating systems, Remote APIs, and Web APIs. Hence let us look at this one by one.
Libraries and Framework
A single API can have multiple implementations in the form of different libraries that share the same programming interface. An API is related to a software library, therefore it is related to a software framework. Moreover, the overall program flow of control can be out of the control of the caller.
Operating systems
An API can specify the interface between an application and the operating system. An API differs from an application binary interface (ABI). API is source code based while ABI is binary based.
Remote APIs
Remote APIs allow developers to manipulate remote resources through protocols. Therefore, remote APIs are useful in maintaining the object abstraction in object-oriented programming. Object abstraction refers to hiding of internal implementation details.
Web APIs
Web APIs are the defined interfaces through which interactions happen between an enterprise and applications. An API approach is an architectural approach that revolves around providing a program interface to a set of services to different applications. For example, Twitter’s REST API allows developers to access core Twitter data.
IoT APIs
The application program interface (API), ties together the connected “things” of the “internet of things”. Moreover, IoT APIs are the points of interaction between an IoT device and the internet and/or other elements within the network. To better understand what is an IoT API, let us look at the application or the implementation of it. Let us take the example of a smartwatch or fitness tracker. They are sensors collecting information. Usually, those devices are firstly connected to your phone via Bluetooth. The phone takes the role of connecting them to the internet. Usually, there is an app that gives most of the information to the user. Moreover, the connection from these apps to the provider is usually done via APIs. The APIs work as data pipes to send the data off to the cloud and retrieve meaningful information back.
Applications of API and reasons to use them
API finds its use in a lot of things in the today world. Hence lets take a look at some of them:
- Desktop applications.
- Web applications.
- APIs make mobile applications possible.
- They are the integrations for no-code solutions because the building blocks are already present.
- APIs connect devices to the internet.
- APIs define the networks or the information passed between applications, systems, and devices.
- Connect everyday things like automobiles, doorbells, dishwashers, and wearable devices.
We have seen the various applications of API, therefore now let us look at the necessity to use them.
- Integration with internal and external systems, hence making work simpler
- Enhancing the functionality of internal and external systems
- Speeding up the software and system development
- Reducing operating costs
- Reducing software development costs
- Improving software and system testing
- Enabling mobile application hence helping in interacting with IoT devices
Conclusion
API is basically which ties together the IoT devices with the internet. Moreover, it helps in easier development of programs. In this blog, we have seen the different ways API can be implemented. We have seen the applications and why we should go for them. Since IoT is an emerging technology, APIs are going to play a major role in the development of IoT devices.
