An API allows separate software systems to communicate and work together. It acts as a messenger that runs between applications, databases, and devices, using standardized programming instructions. APIs enable one software system to use services from another system. For example, the Uber app uses the Google Maps API to display maps. APIs help developers build new services faster by leveraging existing capabilities rather than reinventing the wheel. They can speed up development time, improve customer experience through flexibility and customization, and enable innovation through partnerships.

1. What is an API
and why use it?

3. In simple terms, an API (application
programming interface) acts like a messenger
that runs back and forth between applications,
databases, and devices. In more technical terms,
an API is a set of protocols, standardized
programming instructions and requirements.
3Tutorial - API basics

4. What do APIs actually do?
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5. An API enables one software system to use a
service component from another software
system. This way separate software systems can
work together to deliver a service. A useful
analogy is lego – the brick size and color
represent a service component (e.g. online
maps, log in), while the lego brick’s studs and
tubes represent the API (e.g. how the service
components can be linked together).
5Tutorial - API basics

6. For example, when you use the Uber app, you
will see cars nearby on a map. The Google Maps
API is used to provide this service component.
Technology heavyweights like Facebook, Google,
and Twitter allow other companies to piggyback
on their service components—such as Google
Maps—through APIs.
6Tutorial - API basics

7. What do APIs actually do?
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8. Stop reinventing the wheel!
Many available APIs already cover essential
software capabilities. You can develop a new
service much easier, better, and faster by using
APIs that offer all the required building blocks.
8Tutorial - API basics

9. 9Tutorial - API basics

10. Benefits of using APIs
APIs offer many different benefits for users, we
list the three most important for you:
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11. Speed up time-to-market
When you use APIs, you don’t have to build each
component from scratch. Many APIs are ready to use and
have a standardized interface. This makes APIs easy,
consistent, and predictable to integrate, minimizing your
development time and effort.
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12. Improve customer experience
Your customers’ needs change over time. APIs help you to
react to these changes through their flexibility. In addition,
APIs enable you to customize your applications to match
your customers’ needs. APIs make it easy to add specific
functionalities, provide personalized data, and make your
application interoperable. It is even relatively easy to
migrate to other API providers.
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13. Innovate and co-create
Once you start using APIs, the next step is to engage with
customers and possible partners in the co-creation of
innovative new solutions. Through direct partnership,
companies can design and build new services together.
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14. Tutorial - API basics 14

15. The API team
within CUBES by
KPN is ready to
help you with any
API challenge.
Looking for APIs or
thinking about
providing APIs?
Reach out with
your ideas!
Where to start?
developer.KPN.com

16. Anushka Diderich – Thought Leader API
CUBES by KPN
KPNinnovations.com
KPN’S INNOVATION ENGINE
WHERE NEW PRODUCTS SPRING TO LIFE