An Application Programming Interface (API) acts like a bridge that lets different software applications chat and work together. Think of it as a common language that apps use to ask each other for data or to do certain tasks, even if they’re built by different people or companies.
For example, when you use a weather app on your phone, it uses an API to fetch the latest weather info from a remote server. Or, when you log into a game using your social media account, the game uses an API to access your social media profile and share your achievements.
Another example is when you book a flight through a travel app. The app uses APIs to check different airlines for flight times, prices, and availability, all without you having to visit each airline’s website separately. It’s like having a bunch of apps talking and sharing info behind the scenes to make your life easier and more connected.