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Unveiling the Hidden Power of APIs: You’re Already Using One!

by | Jun 22, 2023 | API & System Integrations, Blog

Unveiling the Hidden Power of APIs: You’re Already Using One!

You’re using an API most of the time that you’re online without even realizing it! If you’re sending an email, online shopping, or accessing your bank online – more than likely this is all being done via API’s.

There are different types of APIs and when we talk about APIs for business system integrations, we specifically refer to web APIs. These web APIs are utilized throughout the day, often without our awareness.

For instance, when you click on the link to access on online store’s shop, your internet browser initiated a request to the computer server hosting the online store. In this scenario, the browser acts as the client making the request, while the API gateway serves as the entry point to the server for that particular request.

Upon passing through the API gateway, the server is searched for the requested information, and a response is sent back. This process is commonly encountered when sending emails, streaming movies, or shopping online.

Unlike simply clicking on a link to access a website, integrations involve requesting specific data tailored to your business needs. To appropriately request data from an application, it is essential to have a better understanding of its API. Most applications provide API documentation on their websites.

Here are a few examples:

  • Shopify Admin API (opens in a new tab)
  • Salesforce APIs and Integration (opens in a new tab)
  • HubSpot API Docs

APIs provide guidelines on how data requests should be submitted and formatted, known as protocols. These protocols aid client applications in processing and comprehending the data returned by the server. When creating integrations, it is crucial to utilize the correct API protocols for each application; otherwise, it would be akin to asking someone a question in French when they only understand English

To understand integrations, you need to know how APIs work.

APIs employ various methods to request data from a server, particularly those that utilize the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) for submitting data requests. HTTP is commonly used for web APIs. Here are some of the most popular methods:

  • GET
  • POST
  • PUT
  • DELETE

When a computer attempts to connect to an application’s server, it sends a data request formatted in a way that the server can understand and respond to. The format or communication protocol used is determined by the application’s API

New to API’s? Here’s a started guide. Suggested Read: What are APIs and how do APIs work?

Using Platforms For Integration

Today there are several platforms that exist to help make API integrations easy to integrate. Take the Celigo platform as an example, it provides convenient solutions for API integration, simplifying the process and enabling businesses to connect different applications and systems seamlessly.

These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop tools, allowing non-technical users to create integrations without extensive coding knowledge. The platform offers pre-built connectors that reduce the amount of information required about an application’s API.

However, understanding the basics of integration creation is still important. This knowledge becomes particularly valuable if you encounter issues with an integration or desire additional customization.

Do you really need an API developer or can you integrate systems yourself?

 

Even with the convenience and user-friendly nature of platforms like Celigo for API integration, there are still important reasons why businesses may need an API developer. Here’s why:
Custom Integrations – While platforms like these provide pre-built connectors for popular applications, there may be cases where you require custom integrations to meet specific business requirements. An API developer can create tailored solutions that go beyond the capabilities of pre-built connectors, ensuring seamless integration between unique systems and workflows.
Advanced Functionality – Certain complex integrations may involve intricate data transformations, advanced business logic, or integration with specialized APIs. An API developer can handle these advanced scenarios, leveraging their expertise to design and implement sophisticated integration solutions that meet your specific needs.
Troubleshooting – In the event of integration issues or changes in the APIs of connected applications, an API developer can provide troubleshooting assistance. They have the technical knowledge to identify and resolve issues efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring the smooth operation of your integrations.
Scalability & Performance Optimization – As your business grows and your integration needs evolve, an API developer can help optimize your integrations for scalability and performance. They can fine-tune configurations, improve data processing efficiency, and implement caching strategies to ensure optimal integration performance even with increasing data volumes.
API Upgrades – APIs are constantly evolving, with new features, improvements, and updates being released. An API developer can stay up-to-date with these changes and leverage new functionalities to enhance your integrations. They can also handle API version upgrades and ensure compatibility between different API versions.
Security & Compliance – While integration platforms prioritize security, an API developer can provide an extra layer of expertise in implementing robust security measures specific to your integrations. They can help with encryption, authentication, access control, and data privacy to ensure compliance with industry regulations and protect sensitive information.
Future Integration Needs – As your business evolves, you may require additional integrations or modifications to existing ones. An API developer can provide ongoing support, adapting integrations to meet changing requirements and integrating new applications seamlessly into your ecosystem.
Want to explore this further? Suggested Read: API & System Integrations

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In Conclusion…

Overall, API developers brings specialized skills and expertise to handle complex integration scenarios, customization, advanced troubleshooting, and optimization. They play a crucial role in ensuring the success and longevity of your integration initiatives.

Looking for an API developer to help your business grow? Give us a call on 303.473.4000 or click here to get in touch.

Stay tuned for more…

Jeff

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