HTTP APIs
HTTP APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are interfaces that allow software systems to communicate over the HTTP protocol, enabling data exchange and functionality integration between applications. They define endpoints, request/response formats (often using JSON or XML), and authentication methods to facilitate interactions between clients (e.g., web browsers, mobile apps) and servers. This concept underpins modern web development, powering everything from simple data retrieval to complex microservices architectures.
Developers should learn HTTP APIs because they are fundamental for building interoperable web and mobile applications, enabling integration with third-party services, cloud platforms, and internal systems. Use cases include creating RESTful or GraphQL APIs for web apps, developing mobile backends, implementing microservices, and automating workflows through API calls. Mastery is essential for roles in full-stack development, backend engineering, and DevOps, as APIs are ubiquitous in modern software ecosystems.