The document discusses APIs (application programming interfaces) and their role in allowing computer applications to communicate with each other. It defines APIs and explains that API providers give developers tools like SDKs and documentation to help them integrate APIs into their applications. The document then covers why companies should provide APIs, including capturing intrinsic value through access to unique data, attracting important customers and partners, and improving technical architecture. It also discusses the roles of API providers, developers, and users.

1. THE WHAT & WHY OF APIS

2. TODAY’S SCHEDULE
Introductions
WHAT is an API?
HOW to develop with APIs?
WHY should I provide APIs?

3. JOHN I. MCSWAIN, III
john.i.mcswain@gmail.com @johnmcswain
vodka advocate. internet aficionado. gamer.
mobile practitioner. thinker. musician.

4. WHAT IS AN API?
• APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACE
• APIs are ROUTINES, PROTOCOLS, AND INSTRUMENTS needed
for computer APPLICATIONS TO COMMUNICATE with each other
• API PROVIDERS give tools to application DEVELOPERS to ease any
work efforts. Tools include:
• Software Development Kits (SDK)
• Libraries
• Documentation (i.e. instructions, guidelines)
• Data feedback: JSON, XML, Callbacks
• Types: PUBLIC, PRIVATE | WEB, SOFTWARE, HARDWARE
Jacobson, Daniel, Dan Woods, and Gregory Brail. "What Is an API?” APIs: A Strategy
Guide. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly, 2012. Print.

5. WHAT IS AN API PROVIDER?
• API PROVIDERS typically require developers to REGISTER APPS
and ACCEPT TERMS & CONDITIONS
• PROVIDERS control WHO uses data, PURPOSE/INTENT of data,
& data FREQUENCY (requests / unit of time)
• Offenders may have access temporarily REVOKED, and/or can
also be PERMANENTLY BANNED

6. PROVIDERS REGISTER APPS

7. DEVELOPERS CONSUME APIS
Character Request URL: http://gateway.marvel.com:80/v1/public/characters?
apikey=xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Event Request URL: http://gateway.marvel.com:80/v1/public/events?
apikey=xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Web API Request over HTTP

8. WEB API RESPONSE: JSON?
{
"code": 200,
"status": "Ok",
"copyright": "© 2015 MARVEL",
"attributionText": "Data provided by Marvel. © 2015 MARVEL",
"attributionHTML": "<a href="http://marvel.com">Data provided by Marvel. © 2015
MARVEL</a>",
"etag": "d9e1099583b90f03adf5ed4c20c537b80d2ecd04",
"data": {
"offset": 0,
"limit": 20,
"total": 1485,
"count": 20,
"results": [
{
"id": 1011334,
"name": "3-D Man",
"description": "",
"modified": "2014-04-29T14:18:17-0400",
"thumbnail": {
"path": "http://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/c/e0/535fecbbb9784",
"extension": "jpg"
},
"resourceURI": "http://gateway.marvel.com/v1/public/characters/1011334",
"comics": {
"available": 11,
"collectionURI": "http://gateway.marvel.com/v1/public/characters/1011334/comics",
"items": [
JSON (JAVASCRIPT OBJECT NOTATION) is a lightweight data-
interchange format. Easy for humans to read and write. Easy for
machines to parse and generate.

9. EXAMPLES OF WEB APIS

10. API DEMO

11. API DEMO

12. API DEMO

13. API DEMO

14. HARDWARE APIS

15. HARDWARE API DEMO
Apple provides Hardware API access to components such as
accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, network radios and front/rear camera

16. WHY PROVIDE APIS?
• CAPTURE INTRINSIC VALUE THROUGH ACCESS
• Unique data can push sales of core products/services
• Brands can create valuable content and distribute it via platforms that
extend beyond proprietary channels
• IMPORTANT CUSTOMERS AND/OR PARTNERS ASK
FOR AN API
• Companies can offer their API for free or choose from
various revenue-sharing and direct-usage payment
models
• LURE POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS WITH APIS
• Prospects can experiment with your API, which can
be converted to a formal relationship when traffic/revenue are mutually
beneficial. APIs reduce barriers/excuses to entry
Jacobson, D., & Woods, D. (2012). APIs: A strategy guide. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly.

17. WHY PROVIDE APIS?
• APIS CAN IMPROVE A COMPANY’S TECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE
• Forces management and engineers to find ways to lower maintenance
costs, specifically effort time, while increasing future flexibility
• YOU NEED A 2ND MOBILE APP
• Do you remember when you launched your company’s 1st mobile
app? What if it was just dumb luck?
Jacobson, D., & Woods, D. (2012). APIs: A strategy guide. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly.

18. WHY PROVIDE APIS?
• YOU HAVE DATA AVAILABLE, BUT NO TIME TO USE
• If a department has an important database it does not have time to
use, a private API can allow other departments to benefit from the
data. Don’t hoard data!!!
• YOU PREFER TO BE WORSHIPPED… EVEN IF IT’S BY DEVELOPERS
• Developers want to save time, build their skills & resume, and get paid!
In exchange, developer’s software can/will drive adoption
APIs
Jacobson, D., & Woods, D. (2012). APIs: A strategy guide. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly.

19. API GROWTH

20. WEB API CATEGORIES

21. API VALUE CHAIN
Jacobson, D., & Woods, D. (2012). APIs: A strategy guide. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly.

22. WHEN DEVS USE APIS

23. WHEN COS PROVIDE APIS

24. WHEN USERS GET APIS

25. NOW YOU KNOW YOUR APIS

26. API RESOURCES
www.programmableweb.com
www.mashery.com
www.mashape.com
developers.google.com/products
brackets.io
developer.apple.com/xcode
developer.marvel.com
shopsense.shopstyle.com
instagram.com/developer
map.ipviking.com
http://shop.oreilly.com/product/
0636920021223.do

27. CHOOSE YOUR API ROLE!
DEVELOPER PROVIDER
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!
Presentation slides are here: http://bit.do/wwapi