WHAT IS API INTEGRATION IN APP DEVELOPMENT?

What Can API Integration Do For Businesses?

Businesses need information-rich systems and the ability to have interconnectivity with partnered entities. API integration between apps provides extra value that are critical to delivering solutions that add value to an overall IT infrastructure.

Informed companies can make better decisions, which often result in increased productivity, streamlined workflows, and innovation. The data often results in businesses identifying opportunities to lower costs and increase revenue streams. API integration has become the foundation of today's digital transformation.

Cloud based API integration makes data sharable across software applications.

Which API Is Best For You?

It is critical to develop the appropriate API integrations to fit a particular IT objective. The API may be needed to allow a proprietary software to be more compatible in a niche market or make for a stronger IT environment within an organization. Below are some of the more common messaging formats used to integrate applications:

• SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol): This is a protocol that uses XML as a format to transfer data. Its main function is to define the structure of the messages and methods of communication. It also uses WSDL, or Web Services Definition Language, in a machine-readable document to publish a definition of its interface.

• XML: This is a protocol that uses a specific XML format to transfer data compared to SOAP that uses a proprietary XML format. It is also older than SOAP. XML-RPC uses minimum bandwidth and is much simpler than SOAP.

• JSON: This protocol is similar to XML-RPC but instead of using XML format to transfer data it uses JSON.

• REST (Representational State Transfer): REST is not a protocol like the other web services, instead, it is a set of architectural principles. The REST API service needs to have certain characteristics, including simple interfaces, which are resources identified easily within the request and manipulation of resources using the interface.

API development provides insight to data and UI/UX behaviors of the end-user.

Does API Integration make tasks easier?

APIs can significantly reduce administrative burdens that are time consuming. It simplifies the management, security and overall processes by serving as a catalyst to bring all three together.

Businesses typically have several tasks that operate on different platforms but ultimately have to be merged. While some tools that claim to do a good job at being an all-in-one solution, they usually end up being Jacks of all trades and masters of none. Many businesses are now creating their own “best-fit” API solutions to connect their tools and systems to streamline processes and workflows.

Disclaimer:

Chetu, Inc. does not affect the opinion of this article. Any mention of specific names for software, companies or individuals does not constitute an endorsement from either party unless otherwise specified. All case studies and blogs are written with the full cooperation, knowledge and participation of the individuals mentioned. This blog should not be construed as legal advice.

Chetu was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in Florida. We deliver World-Class Software Development Solutions serving entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 clients. Our services include process and systems design, package implementation, custom development, business intelligence and reporting, systems integration, as well as testing, maintenance and support. Chetu's expertise spans across the entire IT spectrum.

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