Word of the Week - API

A very technical term, but one that is thrown around all too often by people who do not know what the word means. While the term can have several meanings, in a simplified 'Web 2.0' context, API or application programming interface, is talking about a single entry point that one computer system uses to 'talk' to another computer system.

Good examples of an API in use are the recent Facebook programs that have been created by outside programmers. These programmers can view the API or code and create computer systems or programs that will 'talk' to the Facebook site. Google Maps also is a good example of a widely used API.

APIs are the foundation upon which 'Mashups' are created. Without APIs, there would not be any mashups.