Using Web Services API

Website development progresses throughout the years, with new programs being introduced aiming to explore the limits and possibilities of the Internet. One of these latest innovations is the API or "Application Program Interface", which allows you to use predefined functions to interact with the platform. This eliminates the agony of writing the codes from scratch.

API is a set of predefined functions that are used to control the appearance and behavior or every element. These functions can be either be acquired by developers for free or through through a payment scheme. A single API, although it may have a single function, can be developed differently and uniquely.

Why API is important - APIs can be your website's greatest assets. For instance, the Google Maps API can be used not only by geography-based sites, but also other interesting sites like social networking, navigation, etc. Also, if you put up an API in your website that eventually becomes successful, you may even want to consider giving it out for sale.

Characteristics of a good API - Factors that can be considered a good API are: ease of learning; ease of using, even without reading instructions; difficulty of misuse; a code that is easy to read by different browsers; ease of extending codes for more functions; and appropriateness to audience.