What is an API Integration?

The connection of two or more applications via their APIs (application programming interfaces) that allow systems to exchange data sources is known as API integration. API integrations power processes across many sectors and layers of an organization in order to keep data in sync, increase productivity, and drive revenue.

API is an interface that is present in almost everything in the digital world. APIs enable the seamless operation and performance of applications and web systems regardless of the business or enterprise size.

There is, however, an additional requirement for achieving optimal and automated business processes and procedures that interact and share critical data. Here is where API integration comes into play.

Why is API Integration necessary?

API connectivity enables applications to share data and communicate with one another without the need for human intervention. Through their APIs, you enable communication between two web tools or applications. It enables organizations to automate systems, improve data sharing, and integrate existing applications.

In today's world, businesses cannot afford to ignore the importance of API integration. Following the explosion of cloud-based products and apps, businesses must develop a connected system in which data is automatically relayed between various software tools. API integration enables this by allowing the sharing of process and enterprise data among applications in a given ecosystem.

It unlocks a new level of flexibility of information and service delivery. It also makes the embedding of content from different sites and apps easy. An API acts as the interface that permits the integration of two applications.

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Examples of API integration

E-commerce websites are among the most frequent users of API integrations. Order management systems are used by online stores to process shopping and shipping orders. However, in order to process them, they must connect to servers and databases that contain information about customers, products, and inventory levels.

An ongoing data exchange connects the online store and the shopping cart. API integration allows businesses to accomplish this.

Another example is the integration of a payment gateway. When you pay for a product online, you don't see the actual transaction. However, there is data transfer in the background for verification of your credit card/debit card details. The payment gateway API is integrated into the web store and is frequently hidden from view.

API Integration Process

There are several API integration tools to choose from, and once you've decided on one, you must follow a specific process that includes three key steps.

First, you must assess your objectives and business processes. After identifying the pain points, you can determine how integrating internal and external platforms can aid in the resolution of these issues. It is critical to obtain assistance from individuals such as System Administrators and Software Analysts who can champion your integration efforts and highlight the benefits to your organization.

After you've determined your objectives, you can begin the development process and create a custom application. Your app can then interact with software platform APIs to establish new functionalities that aid in the achievement of your objectives.

Finally, you should run some tests on your system to ensure that the integration app is up to the task and free of bugs.

How API Integration is Achieved?

There are currently several methods for achieving API integration. They are heavily influenced by the specific requirements of your system or business.

1. Custom Integrations

Hand-written scrip from a software developer with a deep understanding and knowledge of the API documentation is required for custom-built integrations. This technique was popular for a while, but the cost of custom development (and ongoing maintenance) has made it less appealing in comparison to newer integration methods. Taking this approach can also be time-consuming.

2. Connector Applications

Connector applications are intended to make data transfer between two well-known software platforms easier. Connectors are inexpensive, speed up the deployment of standard API solutions, and make integrations easier to manage and maintain. Additionally, they reduce the need for API management.

3. API Integration Platforms

These are typically SaaS applications dedicated to the development of API integrations that aid in the integration of other SaaS applications and systems.

They provide some degree of flexibility because you can create custom integration apps with robust tools available on the market. RapidQL, for example, can fetch and transform data into a format that your app can understand with a single query. It enables you to send requests to multiple private and public APIs, as well as databases, at the same time.

These IPaaS services can also connect and stack multiple APIs, which can greatly assist Enterprises in automating their workflows.

Conclusion

API integrations are the glues that hold technological developments together. API integration tools such as Workato are currently in high demand (leaders on the Gartner Magic Quadrant for IPaaS services).

It's safe to assume that these platforms will continue to evolve in the near future to address even more complex Enterprise challenges.

If you want to learn more about working with APIs at the enterprise level, check out this App Integration Software, where you can have access to 30+ apps and a bespoke demo of the platform.