Understanding APIs
An application program interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. Basically, an API specifies how software components should interact. Additionally, APIs are used when programming graphical user interface (GUI) components. A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks. A programmer then puts the blocks together.
An API may be for a web-based system, operating system, database system, computer hardware, or software library.
Read this article to get a better understanding about APIs
Below are some fun APIs you can interact with:
- Tronald Dump: Ever wonder what Donald Trump thinks about something? This API can help.
- Chuck Norris Facts: A fan of Chuck Norris? This one is for you.
- Star Wars API: Create the ultimate Star Wars project for your portfolio!
- Pokemon API: All the Pokémon data you’ll ever need!
We will be using Postman for sending GET and POST requests to APIs. You can download the app from here
For using Postman, an example is given where we will interact with the Tronald Dump API
- When you open the documentation for the API and navigate to random quote, copy the request address.
- Then, open the Postman app and click on the '+' icon.
- Paste the link and click on the 'Send' button.
- The response can be seen in the body tab.
- The quote is the string associated with "value"
Similarly you can explore the documentation of other APIs and interact with them.