Working with Web 2.0 APIs
(or, maybe just defining…)
Bridget Schumacher
November 25, 2008
DMS 537

What is Web 2.0?
• Web-based tools
• Collaboration
• Sharing
• Conversation
• Builds community

What is an API?
• Bridge two applications together &
share data between them
• Known as:
– Application Program Interface
– Application Programming Interface

Who works with APIs?
• Application Developers
• Those with knowledge of
programming languages
– Javascript
– AJAX
– XML

Why would a developer
share an API?

“…they get used by more
applications, they get seen
by more eyeballs, they get
more exposure…”
Source: Cameron Adams, Go forth and API

Popular APIs
• Google Maps • Facebook
• (anything Google • Flickr
really…) • YouTube
• Weather.com • Twitter
• Shopping.com • TinyURL
• PayPal

How do I obtain an API?

1. Visit the web site

2. Fill out an application

3. Wait for the files to be
sent to you

I have APIs to work
with, now what?

Create mashups!

What is a mashup?
“In web development, a mashup is a
web application that combines data
from more than one source into a
single integrated tool”
Source: Wikipedia, Mashup_(web_application_hybrid)

Top APIs for Mashups
Source: http://www.programmableweb.com

Examples of Mashups
• A.placebetween.us
• Weather on Google Maps
• Twistori
• CommuterFeed
• HotSpotr

Additional Readings
• Ten Web 2.0 APIs You Can Really Use:
http://www.linuxworld.com/news/2006/12
1806-web-20-apis.html?page=2
• Go Forth and API:
http://www.thinkvitamin.com/features/aja
x/go-forth-and-api
• Web 2.0 the Power Behind the Hype:
http://www.uie.com/articles/web_2_power
/
• Programmable Web:
http://www.programmableweb.com/

http://www.slideshare.net/b
schu1022/