What is an API?

What is an Open API?

An API provides a mechanism by which external programs can communicate with an internal software program and even access or exchange data. 

APIs allows data exchange between websites, applications and organizations, while the data source remains in the same place.  (Source: www.web2fordev.net).  

APIs are more flexible and powerful than RSS feeds.

What is a mashup?

Applications built using APIs are commonly called ‘mashups’ – combine data and functionality from different programmes.  

Mashups (usually) are about:

Combination

Visualization

Aggregation

In a mashup, the emphasis is on making already existing data more useful.

Some example APIs

A serious mashup

A tasty mashup

A silly mashup

Documenting the API