API Integration for non-technical people: A Guide
What is API integration?
Let us go back to the waiter example. API integration is similar to establishing a high-tech network of such waiters so that they not only accept orders and serve food but also communicate with one another to optimize the whole dining process. Technically, API integration, or data connections, is a process of linking two or more applications through their APIs so that they can exchange information and execute tasks automatically without human intervention.
This translates to less hassle and more time for people to concentrate on what is important. Whether it's rapidly copying data from a customer email into a sales tracking application or making a project management tool update straight from your email inbox, APIs and API integration management make it faster and easier, often without us even realizing it. This is utilized by all businesses, from startups to enterprise departments, freeing up their resources and time.
How does API integration function?
It can be as simple as understanding how API integration functions by considering ordering a special cake from a bakery (or I'm simplifying it for you in a manner that makes sense to me). You have certain specifications: maybe a chocolate cake with raspberry filling and a special message. This is how the process goes:
Step 1: Send an API call or request (or order)
Just like you'd instruct the bakery precisely what you need, in the computer world, one piece of software requests something from another piece of software through an API. This request contains all the information: what data is required or what needs to be done. This may involve sending an API key to authenticate secure data merging.
Step 2: Process the request (or bake the cake)
As soon as your order is taken by the bakery, the bakers begin creating the cake to your specifications. Likewise, the receiving application executes the API request. It reviews what's requested, retrieves information required, or gets ready to execute the mentioned task.
Step 3: Getting an API response (the cake is ready)
Once the cake is baked and decorated according to your specifications, it's available for pickup. In API Integration, once the request has been handled, the receiving application responds with a message. This response may be the data requested, a message stating that a task has been finished, or an error message in case something did not go right.
Step 4: Data is exchanged (talking about delivery)
Just as the completed cake is transferred to you, the response from the receiving application is returned to the requesting application. This information exchange or confirmation of actions completed makes API integrations so effective, allowing applications to communicate with each other effortlessly. This application integration plays a significant role in enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience.
Step 5: Error Handling (Oops. Wrong order sent)
Things don't always go according to plan. Perhaps the bakery got your order wrong, or something went awry with the decoration. Errors happen in API integrations as well—perhaps the request was constructed improperly, or the application on the other end was unable to handle the request. Error handling is the process by which the API returns any problems so the requesting application can see what failed and make a second try. Proper API testing is essential to minimize these errors, ensuring that API providers maintain high service reliability standards.
This whole process, from requesting to getting a response (and processing any errors in between), occurs electronically within seconds, rendering our communication with software applications seamless and effective. This efficiency is supported by strong API integration service, which guarantees that all systems communicate efficiently without the need for manual intervention.
Credits : https://www.konnectify.co/blogs/api-integration-non-technical-people-a-guide
