APIs are transforming the world of IT, delivering agility, consumer focus and improved revenue opportunity, but simply building an API isn’t enough to achieve success – you need development management to ensure delivery of key business objectives and long-term results.
An API, or application programming interface, is a tool used to allow two applications or systems to interact with each other. Every time you login to Google Maps, or use the Snapchat app, you’re using an API.
Choosing an API
The function of an API may be relatively straightforward, but the process of understanding which type of API is most suited to your requirements, and designing and building it effectively is a complex task for any developer.
Understanding how to plan the required capabilities is an important step in your implementation of API-led connectivity, and many companies erroneously rush it, in their excitement to get to the development stage.
Ensuring that you understand what your API will be required to do and how it will deliver is a basic, but commonly overlooked, starting point. By developing a clear outline of how it will be delivered, your team can greatly reduce the risk of locking itself into a poorly coded design which doesn’t meet the original requirements. Attempting to reverse this effort can be very time consuming and expensive – best to plan in advance.
For pointers on what to do before designing an API using MuleSoft read Designing and Implementing APIs using MuleSoft API platform.
If you would like help developing successful APIs then give us a call on +44 (0)203 475 7980 or email us at Salesforce@coforge.com
Other useful links:
Application Architecture: Monolithic vs SOA vs Microservices