This document discusses APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and how they allow software applications and online services to communicate. APIs are sets of routines, protocols, and tools that allow programs to interact with each other. They transmit data between devices in agreed-upon formats. APIs were initially created to make programming easier by providing reusable building blocks, and now allow things like embedding files from services like SlideShare onto blogs through web APIs. APIs are important because they enable connections and sharing of information between programs and online services.

1. API & On-line experiencesElizabeth G. NoagiCOM 585May 19, 2010

2. Q. Why can my slideshare file be embedded on our class blog?A. Application Program Interface (API)

3. API DefinitionAPI can be defined as a set of routines, protocols and tools for building software applications.

4. Additional DefinitionsRoutine: a section of a program that performs a particular taskProtocol: an agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

5. Example of Routines and Protocols at Work404 or Not Found error message is an HTTP standard response code indicating that the client was able to communicate with the server but the server could not find what was requested.

6. So what are APIs?APIs are program sections that perform particular tasks and when they are presented in an agreed-upon format, they transmit data between two devices.

7. Why create an API? Initially APIs were created to make programming easier, by creating building blocks for programmers to use.

8. In web 2.0, APIs have made it easier for users to share and embed files, such as Flickr and this slideshare file that currently embedded on our class blog.

9. Web APIs have also made it possible to create mashups.A side note on MashupsInternet mashups are commonly seen as the combination of maps and search-locator services, or reader opinions and services. They should also include real time updates that are only posted on one site/server and yet display in multiple applications online.Examples: Yelp, CitySearch, Angie’s List, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

10. So why are APIs Important?APIs are the connections between programs or devices, that send and receive information.

11. Questions

12. SourcesSources listed below were retrieved on 16 May 2010http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apihttp://www.webopedia.com/http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/iseries/v5r2/ic2924/index.htm?info/apis/apiexmp.htmhttp://netforbeginners.about.com/od/m/f/whatismashup.htmhttp://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0%2C%2Csid7_gci212839%2C00.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_404