APIs Explained (in 4 Minutes)

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In this video, we explain how APIs work. APIs enable different applications to communicate with each other using requests and responses. They enable the seamless integration of different systems, functionalities, and services.
Non-technical companies can benefit from APIs in the same way as technical companies. Web APIs deliver client requests and return responses via either JSON or XML over the internet.
Chapters
0:13 - What is an API?
1:52 - Non-technical analogy for APIs
2:45 - How do APIs work? (Web APIs)
3:08 - HTTP request and response structure
3:42 - Types of APIs
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[@tryexponent]

Make sure you're interview-ready with Exponent's system design interview prep course: bit.ly/3ItwJKk

[@nurulafsar3195]

I've been programming for around 2 years now, and this was the first example that actually made the concept of an API stick in my head. The restaurant reservation analogy in particular was excellent.

[@anuvabsaha5317]

The Hunt for 'What is API'? ended here. Huge Thanks!

[@cthutu]

The term API is not just used for web development where a client sends a request to a server and a response is given back. In fact, the term API predates its use in the internet world. It basically just means a collection of functions that can be used to communicate with an appliation. For example, the Win32 API is used to talk to the Windows operating system. The OpenGL API is used to draw 3d graphics to the screen.
The "API" concept explained in this video is a very specific use of the term "API".

[@tryexponent]

Hey cthutu! That's a factual definition of API. Thanks for sharing!

[@bhasinvaibhav007]

This is by far the most clear and simple explanation of APIs I've come across. Thanks!

[@tryexponent]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KC-kp9nq]

Working in IT and my manager couldt even explain me API in simple words. Thank you!

[@rkug777]

Great analogy that stuck in my head! Keep making more of these please. Love the crisp narration in a clear, pleasant voice!

[@sebwlim]

best and most concise explanation of APIs I've seen on CZcams. Thank you!

[@1anre]

A Technically-minded PM is the coolest.

[@johnochola4592]

Short and sweet. Life would be much easier with these kinds of explanations. Thank you!

[@Premssonglist]

Loved how simple and crisp was the explanation. The speaker eloquently presented the same 👍

[@nikolayrusanov8714]

The most comprehensive explanation of API I have ever seen!

[@TheGreatDigitalism]

Fantastic video. Great analogies both simple and technical, yet concise.

[@mimianti-stush231]

Thank you for such a simple, practical, concise, non-technical and technical explanation. I am new to IT...and the analogy turned on a light bulb. I've subscribed to your channel!

[@siddheshdivekar639]

most clear and simple explanation of APIs ever !

[@jeff-creations]

Brilliant, love the explanation. Here is a text version:
Let's say you have a dinner reservation for tonight for three people but you want to change it to six.
You call the restaurant and ask them if it's possible to do that and the customer service person says yes.
That was simple - you called someone, made a request, and you got a response yes or no.
Now, let's say that there wasn't a customer service person and that it was up to you to figure this out.
You would need to know:
• How many people have made reservations for the same time at this restaurant?
• How many tables are free at that time?
• What's their kitchen capacity, and wait staff capacity??
All of these questions just to figure out whether you can add three more people to your reservation.
That's a lot of unnecessary work on your part, work that you the customer have no expertise in.
Not to mention that the restaurant has to reveal a lot of data to you, maybe even private data about
who's eating there that night and who works there etc....
In this analogy the restaurant is an application that provides a specific service or function, which is to feed you.
You are an application that is trying to get fed with a group of friends.
The customer service rep from the restaurant is the restaurant's API.
Customer service is the API interface through which you can communicate with the restaurant and make requests
like changing the number on a reservation, and you can do that without having to dive into the messy details about
how restaurant reservations work or anything like that.

[@suhailm8761]

Just wow, very short and crisp to the points information, loved it

[@TigerHills]

this is one of the best examples i have ever seen for an API

[@Hormoz.]

I have seen ALL API explanations and this is a more incisive and comprehensive introduction. ❤

[@evanstayuka381]

This was so helpful - the best explanation of what an API is. Thanks Exponent.

[@Nala-gr8on]

Greatly appreciate the way you explained this. It very hard for me to retain technical information, but the way you did it was amazing and I can finally fully understand this. New sub!

[@glantedavid9728]

API is like a middleman 😂😂

[@janarthkrishna5313]

I'm not a tech person and I've just started checking out programming languages. I've been coming across APIs like chat-gpt and more lately. I've been searching and reading about them, but it never really clicked for me. The restaurant analogy was the best and simplest explanation of APIs I've seen on CZcams. Thanks!

[@abahiduh3246]

Your definition classically captures asynchronicity in a nutshell...best analogy for the concept of "Promises" and "Async await"

[@wertertwertwet]

This is actually really well explained. I needed this 3 years ago

[@bigshuff]

What a wonderful analogy, it will definitely stick with me. Respect!

[@bazilonyayo]

Perfect Explanation of APIs. Thank you so much Neamah

[@LaughTale1999]

I didn't understand API but i understood something else here -> i have to follow EXPONENT for sure 😁😁😁😁

[@radhanmoodley5594]

You’re a star. Well presented. Most enjoyable

[@ernieschwarcz9077]

Clear, intuitive and well articulated. Excellent.

[@FernandoVillalpandojr]

Thank you. That was a fantastic breakdown of APIs

[@santoshojha757]

The explanation was crisp and clear.. Thank You

[@l3martin]

Very well explained - I lead a team that includes both developers and non-developers. This takes away to bridge one of the gaps between the team members.

[@AM-dn4lk]

This is the best explanation on APIs I have ever heard. Thank you.

[@tryexponent]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flagger1]

That analogy was just amazing

[@josephamoappiah9536]

beat video I've seen concerning API's.

[@eduardoligeiro2817]

excellent, clear, with real life examples. Although i am IT guy, i found it simply awesome ! Congratulations

[@Jerrel.A]

Excellent Explained and Presented. Thanks!

[@ambikeya_tech]

Insightful breakdown! Concise yet comprehensive explanation of APIs. Your clarity makes complex concepts accessible.

[@vish1211]

So easy and well explained. Thank you.

[@sportsboy5935]

awesome short video to grab whole concept with just a resturant call.

[@Mohamed-xt1fp]

Thanks for the simple explanation.

[@Goforitmanager]

Thank you, quite well explained even for beginners.

[@marcozardo7014]

Really useful explanation! Thanks for sharing it!

[@learningonline3648]

The reservation analogy was really good. I have tried to use non-tech analogies to explain this topic but they would often not capture the concept fully. Thank you!

[@tryexponent]

Hey Learning Online, glad you found the analogy useful! Feel free to use it in your future explanations.

[@volkerherfeld3225]

Great video, concise, useful, clear. Thanks!

[@NathanHarrison7]

Excellent video. Thank you. I wish all instructors made learning this easy and fun. Subscribed.

[@abishekbaiju1705]

Your explanations are excellent. Thanks for the good work

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

Oh GOD, you explained such a complex thing to understand in such a simple way .
I never understand about API until i saw this beautiful 4 min GREAT video 😊
I am new to your channel and subscribed immediately 😊
You are exremely talented , i found this channel is very useful.

[@akbareqbal5134]

thank you very simple explanation and very clear mind understandable.

[@thesheikhfurqan]

what an explanation... hats off to you

[@rajvellaturi]

Great explanation as usual!!

[@younes-47]

Your explanation is very coherant and well put. Using simple english and logic phrases you make the listner hooked and attentive. That is how explanation videos should be. Thank you so much ❤ liked and subbed

[@ahmed_og1]

Best API explination yet

[@vidyasagarnatarajan9789]

Best and Most simple i have come across

[@nilavasen8631]

woow what a great exlanation.. I just got the API concept 100% clear. Thanks so much dear !!

[@robertkelly5025]

You guys are freaking awesome. Thanks!

[@kylemlsantos97]

Exceptional explanation!

[@karunakaranr2473]

Thank you for your time and effort. Explained well....

[@zummamk]

Super useful and clear, thank you.

[@tinasheguni8754]

Well explained. Thank you

[@mutungirodney]

Best example for API by far

[@ryangulati5872]

Very clear, thanks!

[@ihorradchenko7819]

I love this explanation! Thanks

[@mariofernandez7624]

Well explained, thanks for sharing!

[@thanurprannavm7066]

Good Edit . Cool words. Mind-blowing Narration

[@EllieLocsin]

I love this video. It is very clear, precise and super easy to understand especially for those who are not in a tech or no experience in tech. This makes me subscribe to your channel. ❤❤❤

[@clementasare5781]

Best explanation on API's, thanks much❤

[@Coding-Just]

Excellent explanation
thank you

[@RealityCheck6969]

Wow. Thx for this easily comprehendible video.

[@raj_kundalia]

This is a cool explanation!

[@jucaguima]

Very well explained!

[@careervest]

beautiful explanation.

[@Here-Abdullah]

Your video is and your article is very helpful for me

[@germangarciafernandez]

Best explanation ever...

[@ganeshtpai]

Well explained thank you 👍🏼

[@prithvirana114]

Great Explanation :)

[@user-ug4dj1cq6t]

I loved her explanation 💐

[@akashpatel-bs8ve]

Crisp and clear ❤

[@WaranVaithilingam]

Well explained thank you !

[@edwardkawamba9047]

Well done with the presentation.

[@user-ul2mt3de6t]

Well explained and presented

[@zamamadikizela8025]

I really like how you explained it

[@CustAndCode]

I will probably use the restaurant thing myself in the future to explain an API! Thank you! 🤗🤩

[@vivekbhojwani7575]

thanks, well explained

[@venkatpm2034]

Wonderful analogy

[@papaglock6587]

Great explanation 👌🏾

[@DiscoverSalesforceWithGY]

Nice and Simple explanation !!

[@philomanbabuperam]

Well said madam....thank you for your valuable information....:)

[@supremeomegacompany]

Wow basic and Explanatory!

[@abh578]

mam you give very good information

[@zacsamuel7295]

thanks, very clear

[@MarccelusEnoh]

This was an excellent one.

[@wisedonkey_]

Very good explanation

[@severtone263]

Great video. Thx !

[@athirarkrishnan6697]

Well explained !!

[@be236]

great explanation!

[@blessed_human]

Thank you very nicely explained 👍🏼🙂

[@maneeshk2355]

Loved it 💫

[@user-fp8lc4cv6p]

great examples thank u