API stands for Application Protocol Interface, a way for two or more applications or devices to communicate with each other to exchange information or functionality. APIs are provided by service owners (like Loqate) to allow others to simply and consistently make use of, and embed the features and functionality provided by each service into their own applications, such as websites or back-office systems.
Generally speaking, there are three types of API:
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Public APIs:
- Openly accessible to the public.
- Often used to build third-party applications.
- Example: Twitter API, Google Maps API
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Private APIs:
- Used internally within an organization.
- Not exposed to the public.
- Example: An internal API for a company's inventory management system
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Partner APIs:
- Shared between specific partners or organizations.
- Often used for B2B integrations.
- Example: An API between a payment gateway and an e-commerce platform
Loqate is a partner API that slots seamlessly into your existing infrastructure to ensure data validation at the point of entry.
