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!

[@sebwlim]

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

[@Premssonglist]

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

[@rkug777]

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

[@johnochola4592]

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

[@nikolayrusanov8714]

The most comprehensive explanation of API I have ever seen!

[@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.

[@TheGreatDigitalism]

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

[@1anre]

A Technically-minded PM is the coolest.

[@siddheshdivekar639]

most clear and simple explanation of APIs ever !

[@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!

[@Hormoz.]

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

[@TigerHills]

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

[@evanstayuka381]

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

[@suhailm8761]

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

[@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 UA-cam. Thanks!

[@abahiduh3246]

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

[@bazilonyayo]

Perfect Explanation of APIs. Thank you so much Neamah

[@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!

[@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.

[@santoshojha757]

The explanation was crisp and clear.. Thank You

[@radhanmoodley5594]

You’re a star. Well presented. Most enjoyable

[@ernieschwarcz9077]

Clear, intuitive and well articulated. Excellent.

[@wertertwertwet]

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

[@eduardoligeiro2817]

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

[@abishekbaiju1705]

Your explanations are excellent. Thanks for the good work

[@Mohamed-xt1fp]

Thanks for the simple explanation.

[@bigshuff]

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

[@josephamoappiah9536]

beat video I've seen concerning API's.

[@FernandoVillalpandojr]

Thank you. That was a fantastic breakdown of APIs

[@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

[@marcozardo7014]

Really useful explanation! Thanks for sharing it!

[@Goforitmanager]

Thank you, quite well explained even for beginners.

[@vish1211]

So easy and well explained. Thank you.

[@sportsboy5935]

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

[@Jerrel.A]

Excellent Explained and Presented. Thanks!

[@akbareqbal5134]

thank you very simple explanation and very clear mind understandable.

[@glantedavid9728]

API is like a middleman 😂😂

[@ambikeya_tech]

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

[@LaughTale1999]

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

[@volkerherfeld3225]

Great video, concise, useful, clear. Thanks!

[@karunakaranr2473]

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

[@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.

[@clementasare5781]

Best explanation on API's, thanks much❤

[@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.

[@thesheikhfurqan]

what an explanation... hats off to you

[@nilavasen8631]

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

[@vidyasagarnatarajan9789]

Best and Most simple i have come across

[@RealityCheck6969]

Wow. Thx for this easily comprehendible video.

[@ahmed_og1]

Best API explination yet

[@rajvellaturi]

Great explanation as usual!!

[@mutungirodney]

Best example for API by far

[@NathanHarrison7]

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

[@mariofernandez7624]

Well explained, thanks for sharing!

[@thanurprannavm7066]

Good Edit . Cool words. Mind-blowing Narration

[@ihorradchenko7819]

I love this explanation! Thanks

[@user-ug4dj1cq6t]

I loved her explanation 💐

[@ryangulati5872]

Very clear, thanks!

[@Coding-Just]

Excellent explanation
thank you

[@kylemlsantos97]

Exceptional explanation!

[@zummamk]

Super useful and clear, thank you.

[@Here-Abdullah]

Your video is and your article is very helpful for me

[@zamamadikizela8025]

I really like how you explained it

[@blessed_human]

Thank you very nicely explained 👍🏼🙂

[@tinasheguni8754]

Well explained. Thank you

[@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

[@ganeshtpai]

Well explained thank you 👍🏼

[@robertkelly5025]

You guys are freaking awesome. Thanks!

[@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. ❤❤❤

[@venkatpm2034]

Wonderful analogy

[@careervest]

beautiful explanation.

[@WaranVaithilingam]

Well explained thank you !

[@abh578]

mam you give very good information

[@supremeomegacompany]

Wow basic and Explanatory!

[@germangarciafernandez]

Best explanation ever...

[@jucaguima]

Very well explained!

[@user-ul2mt3de6t]

Well explained and presented

[@philomanbabuperam]

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

[@papaglock6587]

Great explanation 👌🏾

[@edwardkawamba9047]

Well done with the presentation.

[@user-yr8jt9ry5j]

Thank you great explanation

[@user-fp8lc4cv6p]

great examples thank u

[@akashpatel-bs8ve]

Crisp and clear ❤

[@vivekbhojwani7575]

thanks, well explained

[@isaacwhiz]

Precise explanations

[@DiscoverSalesforceWithGY]

Nice and Simple explanation !!

[@prithvirana114]

Great Explanation :)

[@raj_kundalia]

This is a cool explanation!

[@zacsamuel7295]

thanks, very clear

[@MarccelusEnoh]

This was an excellent one.

[@be236]

great explanation!

[@wisedonkey_]

Very good explanation

[@padmakumar3803]

Well explained, Good job

[@CustAndCode]

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