What is an API?

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a software interface that allows computers to request, retrieve, and exchange data and information in a standardized way.

An API specifies:

• What information can be requested
• How to make the requests
• What results are returned in response to requests

Using the API

Using an API requires the creation of an individual user account. Each user account is assigned a unique API "key" to help identify and track activity associated with each user account. Interacting with an API requires some knowledge of programming but this is made easier by Software Development Kit (SDK) that defines structured methods for accessing the API. A Quick Start Guide makes it easy to get up and running quckly.