Understanding API

Hello and welcome back!

In our previous lesson, we explored a problem statement whose solution has evolved into what we now call an API.

What Is an API?

An API (Application Programming Interface) is an endpoint that enables two systems or teams to communicate. It allows you to:

• Retrieve information using a GET request.
• Execute actions using a POST request.
• Update information using a PUT request.

For instance, consider a situation where two teams—each focused on different microservice objectives—implement an API. If the production maintenance team decides to apply a change, they don’t execute the change directly. Instead, they notify the logistics team through the API, and the logistics team then updates their code accordingly.

The Benefits of API-Driven Design

Even though the applications might be tightly coupled, the use of APIs simplifies communication, making the system easier to manage, maintain, and scale. This architectural pattern is now a standard in modern software design and development.

Managing APIs in Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

As organizations scale, the number of APIs deployed in the cloud can grow rapidly. Managing these APIs efficiently is critical. In GCP, developers have access to tools that help in creating, building, maintaining, and testing APIs effortlessly.

A critical consideration for modern development is identifying the developer-friendly tool in GCP that assists in API creation and management.

Looking Ahead

In the next lesson, we will:

• Explore the specific GCP tools that simplify API creation.
• Discuss strategies for effectively managing a growing portfolio of APIs.

Thank you for reading, and see you in the next lesson!