Web Application Programming Interface (API) is a medium or intermediary through which an application interacts with another application for the purpose of exchange of data. Applications typically render services or allows use of its data through an API. To be able to connect to or communicate with an API, there are set of rules and standards that are defined with the API for which the external application or human consumer must follow for successful retrieval or posting of data to the interface. These rules and standards are captured in the API documentation or specification of the host application. There are different Web API services, however, the most commonly used are SOAP and REST APIs. SOAP means Simple Object Access Protocol while REST stands for Representational State Transfer. The predominant API interface between them is the REST API, which is based on HTTP protocol, and generally JSON formatted responses. SOAP API only works with XML unlike the REST API that can do XML, HTML, JSON and plain text. API interface security has become an integral component of internet or web access security. However, because of its wide usage, it has presented additional challenges due to:
Nwabueze Ohia
(Cybersecurity consultant, Tech Blogger & Author)
Will appreciate your questions and contributions on to post. For sponsorship, ad placement, speaking opportunity and training bookings, please Contact US or Send us an email at info@oxleyconsults.com.ng.