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APIs glossary

TermDefinition
API (Application Programming Interface)A set of rules that allows software applications to communicate with each other.
API DocumentationInstructions and details on how to use an API.
API KeyA token passed in an API call to authenticate the client.
Basic AuthAuthentication method using a username and password encoded in base64.
Bearer TokenAn access token used in the Authorization header.
DELETEHTTP method to delete a resource.
EndpointA specific URL where an API can access the resources it needs.
Form DataA way to send key-value pairs, often used with file uploads.
GETHTTP method to retrieve data from a server.
GraphQLA query language for APIs that enables clients to request specific data.
gRPCA high-performance, open-source RPC framework by Google.
HTTPHypertext Transfer Protocol; the foundation of API communication.
HTTPSSecure version of HTTP using encryption.
HeaderKey-value pairs in HTTP requests and responses that provide metadata.
IdempotencyThe property of an operation to have the same result no matter how many times it is applied.
JSONJavaScript Object Notation; a lightweight data format used in API communication.
JWT (JSON Web Token)A compact and self-contained method for securely transmitting information.
MultipartA type of form data that allows multiple files or fields to be sent in a single request.
OAuthAn open-standard protocol for authorization.
OpenAPIA specification for describing RESTful APIs.
PATCHHTTP method to make partial updates to a resource.
POSTHTTP method to send data to a server.
PUTHTTP method to update an existing resource.
PaginationSplitting API responses into smaller parts or pages.
PayloadThe actual data sent in a request or returned in a response.
RESTRepresentational State Transfer; an architecture for stateless communication.
RESTful APIAn API that adheres to the REST architecture.
Rate LimitingRestricting the number of API calls a client can make.
RequestAn action initiated by a client to an API server.
ResourceAn object or representation of something accessible via an API.
ResponseThe data sent back by the server after processing a request.
RouteThe path portion of a URL used to access an API resource, excluding the domain and protocol.
SDK (Software Development Kit)A collection of tools for building applications with an API.
Status CodeA number indicating the result of an HTTP request (e.g., 200, 404, 500).
SwaggerA set of tools for developing and documenting OpenAPI specifications.
ThrottlingIntentionally slowing down the response rate from the API.
VersioningMaintaining multiple iterations of an API (e.g., v1, v2).
WebhooksCallbacks sent from the server to the client when an event occurs.
XMLExtensible Markup Language; another data format used in some APIs.