What is the function of an API (Application Programming Interface)?

The primary function of an API (Application Programming Interface) is to facilitate communication and interaction between different software applications. APIs define the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information from one another. This allows disparate systems, potentially built on different programming languages or platforms, to work together seamlessly.

For instance, when a mobile application wants to display data from a remote database, it can utilize an API to request the specific information it needs. The API acts as an intermediary that specifies how to access this data, ensuring that both the mobile app and the database can understand each other's requests and responses.

Given this function, it's clear how APIs are fundamental to modern software development, enabling integration and the creation of more complex applications that leverage the capabilities of various services and data sources without requiring each application to be built from scratch.