What Is an API Key? Simple Guide for Beginners

API Key or (Application Programming Interface) is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. Each time you use an app like Facebook, send an instant message or check the weather on your mobile phone, you’re using an API. When you use an app on your mobile phone, the app connects to the Internet and sends data to a server. The server then retrieves that data, interprets it, performs the necessary actions, and sends it back to your phone. The application then interprets that data and presents you with the information you wanted in a readable way.

Example of an API Key

The Google Maps API and Twitter API Keys are just some of the most widely used API examples, but most software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers offer APIs that let website developers write code that posts data to and retrieves data from the provider’s site as well. Developers can use multiple different programming languages to create APIs, including Java, JavaScript, Perl, Python, and Ruby.

For help installing an API Key get in touch!