I've been programming for around 2 years now, and this was the first example that actually made the concept of an API stick in my head. The restaurant reservation analogy in particular was excellent.
The term API is not just used for web development where a client sends a request to a server and a response is given back. In fact, the term API predates its use in the internet world. It basically just means a collection of functions that can be used to communicate with an appliation. For example, the Win32 API is used to talk to the Windows operating system. The OpenGL API is used to draw 3d graphics to the screen. The "API" concept explained in this video is a very specific use of the term "API".
00:02 APIs are essential for software communication 00:39 APIs enable different systems to communicate 01:03 APIs allow for making requests and getting responses 01:30 APIs reduce unnecessary work for customers 01:55 Restaurant API allows communication and requests without detailed knowledge 02:25 APIs allow access to data in controlled ways. 02:56 API calls involve requests and responses via HTTP or HTTPs over the internet. 03:30 APIs are used to get more in depth about the various different types
okay, this is the best explanation of API on the whole Internet. So what is it? An interface or a medium by which two or more applications (software intended for a specific purposes ) can communicate via request and response. each cycle of a request and response is called an API call. The main benefit of using API is data security as the applications can communicate with each other without having to expose all the data and the example she used to explain API's is probably the best example, that even a 15 year old can understand
Thank you for such a simple, practical, concise, non-technical and technical explanation. I am new to IT...and the analogy turned on a light bulb. I've subscribed to your channel!
The reservation analogy was really good. I have tried to use non-tech analogies to explain this topic but they would often not capture the concept fully. Thank you!
Brilliant, love the explanation. Here is a text version: Let's say you have a dinner reservation for tonight for three people but you want to change it to six. You call the restaurant and ask them if it's possible to do that and the customer service person says yes. That was simple - you called someone, made a request, and you got a response yes or no. Now, let's say that there wasn't a customer service person and that it was up to you to figure this out. You would need to know: • How many people have made reservations for the same time at this restaurant? • How many tables are free at that time? • What's their kitchen capacity, and wait staff capacity?? All of these questions just to figure out whether you can add three more people to your reservation. That's a lot of unnecessary work on your part, work that you the customer have no expertise in. Not to mention that the restaurant has to reveal a lot of data to you, maybe even private data about who's eating there that night and who works there etc.... In this analogy the restaurant is an application that provides a specific service or function, which is to feed you. You are an application that is trying to get fed with a group of friends. The customer service rep from the restaurant is the restaurant's API. Customer service is the API interface through which you can communicate with the restaurant and make requests like changing the number on a reservation, and you can do that without having to dive into the messy details about how restaurant reservations work or anything like that.
Very well explained - I lead a team that includes both developers and non-developers. This takes away to bridge one of the gaps between the team members.
I'm not a tech person and I've just started checking out programming languages. I've been coming across APIs like chat-gpt and more lately. I've been searching and reading about them, but it never really clicked for me. The restaurant analogy was the best and simplest explanation of APIs I've seen on TH-cam. Thanks!
I love the detailed explanation, what I got about API is an application, software, or bridge that allows two or more computers to talk to each other by making a request and getting back a response.
Greatly appreciate the way you explained this. It very hard for me to retain technical information, but the way you did it was amazing and I can finally fully understand this. New sub!
Oh GOD, you explained such a complex thing to understand in such a simple way . I never understand about API until i saw this beautiful 4 min GREAT video 😊 I am new to your channel and subscribed immediately 😊 You are exremely talented , i found this channel is very useful.
THIS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST VIDEO EXPLANATION OF API ON THE INTERNET!!!!!! I subscribed immediately to the channel because of this video. Do you know how many times I have watched API tutorials?? This was awesome to watch!
00:02 APIs are essential for software communication 00:39 APIs enable different systems to communicate 01:03 APIs allow for making requests and getting responses 01:30 APIs reduce unnecessary work for customers 01:55 Restaurant API allows communication and requests without detailed knowledge 02:25 APIs allow access to data in controlled ways. 02:56 API calls involve requests and responses via HTTP or HTTPs over the internet. 03:30 APIs are used -- to get more in depth about the various different types.
I love this video. It is very clear, precise and super easy to understand especially for those who are not in a tech or no experience in tech. This makes me subscribe to your channel. ❤❤❤
Your explanation is very coherant and well put. Using simple english and logic phrases you make the listner hooked and attentive. That is how explanation videos should be. Thank you so much ❤ liked and subbed
That is precise explanation of API. Well done. But i hear a lot of this term usage in almost all the documentations. So, API, in other context, simply means a function intended to do a particular task. I hope this helps.
In the context of Embedded Systems, API means Application Peripheral Interface where a high level code can interact with the hardware using these interfaces.
Wow you just explained it very easily, actually i was about to watch some DSA problems and youtube just suggested your video. do you guys have any podcast on spotify to explain these sort of technical information??
Hey talk_programming, unfortunately we don't have our explanations on podcasts but you can check out more technical content from our TH-cam channel and from our site: www.tryexponent.com
one word to describe API....it is just a function. :-) for example: write a function to add 2 numbers. You name it addFunc...there, you just program a basic API namely addFunc. :-)
Make sure you're interview-ready with Exponent's system design interview prep course: bit.ly/3ItwJKk
I've been programming for around 2 years now, and this was the first example that actually made the concept of an API stick in my head. The restaurant reservation analogy in particular was excellent.
The Hunt for 'What is API'? ended here. Huge Thanks!
This is by far the most clear and simple explanation of APIs I've come across. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Working in IT and my manager couldt even explain me API in simple words. Thank you!
The term API is not just used for web development where a client sends a request to a server and a response is given back. In fact, the term API predates its use in the internet world. It basically just means a collection of functions that can be used to communicate with an appliation. For example, the Win32 API is used to talk to the Windows operating system. The OpenGL API is used to draw 3d graphics to the screen.
The "API" concept explained in this video is a very specific use of the term "API".
Hey cthutu! That's a factual definition of API. Thanks for sharing!
best and most concise explanation of APIs I've seen on TH-cam. Thank you!
00:02 APIs are essential for software communication
00:39 APIs enable different systems to communicate
01:03 APIs allow for making requests and getting responses
01:30 APIs reduce unnecessary work for customers
01:55 Restaurant API allows communication and requests without detailed knowledge
02:25 APIs allow access to data in controlled ways.
02:56 API calls involve requests and responses via HTTP or HTTPs over the internet.
03:30 APIs are used to get more in depth about the various different types
Great analogy that stuck in my head! Keep making more of these please. Love the crisp narration in a clear, pleasant voice!
Your definition classically captures asynchronicity in a nutshell...best analogy for the concept of "Promises" and "Async await"
okay, this is the best explanation of API on the whole Internet. So what is it? An interface or a medium by which two or more applications (software intended for a specific purposes ) can communicate via request and response. each cycle of a request and response is called an API call. The main benefit of using API is data security as the applications can communicate with each other without having to expose all the data and the example she used to explain API's is probably the best example, that even a 15 year old can understand
A Technically-minded PM is the coolest.
Thank you for such a simple, practical, concise, non-technical and technical explanation. I am new to IT...and the analogy turned on a light bulb. I've subscribed to your channel!
Short and sweet. Life would be much easier with these kinds of explanations. Thank you!
Loved how simple and crisp was the explanation. The speaker eloquently presented the same 👍
I have seen ALL API explanations and this is a more incisive and comprehensive introduction. ❤
The reservation analogy was really good. I have tried to use non-tech analogies to explain this topic but they would often not capture the concept fully. Thank you!
Hey Learning Online, glad you found the analogy useful! Feel free to use it in your future explanations.
Brilliant, love the explanation. Here is a text version:
Let's say you have a dinner reservation for tonight for three people but you want to change it to six.
You call the restaurant and ask them if it's possible to do that and the customer service person says yes.
That was simple - you called someone, made a request, and you got a response yes or no.
Now, let's say that there wasn't a customer service person and that it was up to you to figure this out.
You would need to know:
• How many people have made reservations for the same time at this restaurant?
• How many tables are free at that time?
• What's their kitchen capacity, and wait staff capacity??
All of these questions just to figure out whether you can add three more people to your reservation.
That's a lot of unnecessary work on your part, work that you the customer have no expertise in.
Not to mention that the restaurant has to reveal a lot of data to you, maybe even private data about
who's eating there that night and who works there etc....
In this analogy the restaurant is an application that provides a specific service or function, which is to feed you.
You are an application that is trying to get fed with a group of friends.
The customer service rep from the restaurant is the restaurant's API.
Customer service is the API interface through which you can communicate with the restaurant and make requests
like changing the number on a reservation, and you can do that without having to dive into the messy details about
how restaurant reservations work or anything like that.
Very well explained - I lead a team that includes both developers and non-developers. This takes away to bridge one of the gaps between the team members.
most clear and simple explanation of APIs ever !
this is one of the best examples i have ever seen for an API
Just wow, very short and crisp to the points information, loved it
API is like a middleman 😂😂
I'm not a tech person and I've just started checking out programming languages. I've been coming across APIs like chat-gpt and more lately. I've been searching and reading about them, but it never really clicked for me. The restaurant analogy was the best and simplest explanation of APIs I've seen on TH-cam. Thanks!
I love the detailed explanation, what I got about API is an application, software, or bridge that allows two or more computers to talk to each other by making a request and getting back a response.
Best Explanation possible in 4 Minutes !
This is the best explanation on APIs I have ever heard. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I loved the use of analogies in the video. It's clear that there are common patterns at work in many different areas of life.
Best example for API by far
The first video I watched on this channel. The clarity with which you described made me hit that subscribe button right away in the beginning. Cheers!
This was so helpful - the best explanation of what an API is. Thanks Exponent.
I’m working from more than 11 years but this one awesome example of API
What a wonderful analogy, it will definitely stick with me. Respect!
The best explanation of API ever.
Fantastic video. Great analogies both simple and technical, yet concise.
Greatly appreciate the way you explained this. It very hard for me to retain technical information, but the way you did it was amazing and I can finally fully understand this. New sub!
Your Explanation was brief & to the point, Thank you
Oh GOD, you explained such a complex thing to understand in such a simple way .
I never understand about API until i saw this beautiful 4 min GREAT video 😊
I am new to your channel and subscribed immediately 😊
You are exremely talented , i found this channel is very useful.
Watched this while eating lunch in office, great explanation. Thank you!
That non-technical analogy was really helpful
Thank you. That was a fantastic breakdown of APIs
The most comprehensive explanation of API I have ever seen!
excellent, clear, with real life examples. Although i am IT guy, i found it simply awesome ! Congratulations
THIS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST VIDEO EXPLANATION OF API ON THE INTERNET!!!!!! I subscribed immediately to the channel because of this video. Do you know how many times I have watched API tutorials?? This was awesome to watch!
You’re a star. Well presented. Most enjoyable
Perfect Explanation of APIs. Thank you so much Neamah
The moment the technical talk started the clouds opened up!! Thank you so so much for this!!!!
I didn't understand API but i understood something else here -> i have to follow EXPONENT for sure 😁😁😁😁
Wow best description explanation I've heard. crystal clear
Excellent video. Thank you. I wish all instructors made learning this easy and fun. Subscribed.
Whoa this was a lot easier to understand! The restaurant example really helped, the API confusion is gone now😁
Thank you, quite well explained even for beginners.
That analogy was just amazing
The explanation was crisp and clear.. Thank You
Best API explination yet
Dont know why . I get motivated while seeing this API explanation.
woow what a great exlanation.. I just got the API concept 100% clear. Thanks so much dear !!
Such a clear and easy to understand example. Thank You!!
hi Neamah, excellent. very well explained within 4 minutes. love this
thank you very simple explanation and very clear mind understandable.
Excellent Explained and Presented. Thanks!
awesome short video to grab whole concept with just a resturant call.
Brilliant analogy. Fully understood the concept!
Huge Thanks! Easy to understand in a simple explanation.
So easy and well explained. Thank you.
00:02 APIs are essential for software communication
00:39 APIs enable different systems to communicate
01:03 APIs allow for making requests and getting responses
01:30 APIs reduce unnecessary work for customers
01:55 Restaurant API allows communication and requests without detailed knowledge
02:25 APIs allow access to data in controlled ways.
02:56 API calls involve requests and responses via HTTP or HTTPs over the internet.
03:30 APIs are used -- to get more in depth about the various different types.
it's a protocol!
simple and efficient explanation, thank you.
Finally an analogy done properly
Love the way you present the information!
Your video is and your article is very helpful for me
I love this video. It is very clear, precise and super easy to understand especially for those who are not in a tech or no experience in tech. This makes me subscribe to your channel. ❤❤❤
Your explanation is very coherant and well put. Using simple english and logic phrases you make the listner hooked and attentive. That is how explanation videos should be. Thank you so much ❤ liked and subbed
That is precise explanation of API. Well done.
But i hear a lot of this term usage in almost all the documentations. So, API, in other context, simply means a function intended to do a particular task. I hope this helps.
OMG YOU ARE AMAZING ... I WAS FINDING DIFFICULTY IN UNDERSTANDING IT THAAAAAAAANK YOU
This is actually really well explained. I needed this 3 years ago
beat video I've seen concerning API's.
In the context of Embedded Systems, API means Application Peripheral Interface where a high level code can interact with the hardware using these interfaces.
Good Edit . Cool words. Mind-blowing Narration
Insightful breakdown! Concise yet comprehensive explanation of APIs. Your clarity makes complex concepts accessible.
Finally, I understood it in a jiffy. Many thanks!
Clear, intuitive and well articulated. Excellent.
Wow you just explained it very easily, actually i was about to watch some DSA problems and youtube just suggested your video. do you guys have any podcast on spotify to explain these sort of technical information??
Hey talk_programming, unfortunately we don't have our explanations on podcasts but you can check out more technical content from our TH-cam channel and from our site: www.tryexponent.com
Fantastic explanation on API's
Glad it was helpful!
beautiful explanation.
Wonderful explanation crisp and clear Thanks
Super useful and clear, thank you.
Well said madam....thank you for your valuable information....:)
what an explanation... hats off to you
Really useful explanation! Thanks for sharing it!
Best explanation on API's, thanks much❤
Best and Most simple i have come across
Thanks for the simple explanation.
Thank you for your time and effort. Explained well....
Beautiful explanation about API! Thanks
one word to describe API....it is just a function. :-) for example: write a function to add 2 numbers. You name it addFunc...there, you just program a basic API namely addFunc. :-)
I will probably use the restaurant thing myself in the future to explain an API! Thank you! 🤗🤩
Excellent explanation
thank you
Holly freak! I tried many videos. This is the first time I understand API perfectly. Makes me feel stupid why did I not click this before.
Your explanations are excellent. Thanks for the good work
You are amazing with API explorer ❤