API, or Application Programming Interfaces have become a huge part of web development and marketing. While the term itself might sound complex and confusing, the concept of API’s is really quite simple. I say that they are a huge part of web development mainly because larger companies make their API(‘s) available to gain exposure while smaller, “younger” websites and their developers use them to generate whatever income they can from hosting them. Effectively used, API’s are a win-win situation for both large and small-scale websites. Have you ever looked up a business online, found their web address, and while viewing their website found a Google (or Bing or Yahoo!) map detailing where the business is located? Yes? That map is an example of an API. Hosting that map provides the map’s creators (Google, Bing, etc.) with exposure and a more-than-likely click to their website. On the other side, Bob’s Books in San Francisco is receiving payment of some sort per click on the map. Little map snippets are only one example. Amazon provides API to other developers in order make it easier for developers to add Amazon advertising on a website. Users can sign in to a website using their Facebook information rather than making up and remembering another username and password. Even the little social media “share” buttons at the bottom of an article are provided through API’s. It is best (for me, at least) to think of API’s as a small window looking in to a larger “room”. The Google maps API that we all know and love is a little sneak peek at what users will get if they decide to click on that window. They are little pieces of code that enable larger web developers to not only provide their services on a broader scale, but also to advertise through other websites. Chances are, if you are a modern business owner with a functioning website, you are using some form of API. If your website lacks these interactive windows or users see nothing more than an electronic pamphlet when they log on to your website, you are not using API effectively. If this is the case, my only advice is to get on the boat. The advertisements, maps, and social media share buttons they provide are extremely beneficial to your business and web presence, both monetarily and service-based. If you have any questions about how API’s work, or would like to learn how to use them to your advantage, feel free to contact The Site Vamp for more information! By: Alec England, columnist, The Site Vamp thesitevamp/api-application-programming-interface/ #API
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 03:00:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015