APIs are Helping Developers Deliver Software Faster — Here’s How

An application programming interface (API) allows businesses to support new projects uniformly without having to reinvent anything. Today’s software solutions are built on top of each other, with APIs at the center of these developments. Using an API allows businesses to reduce development costs and remain agile because they can bring in the solutions and data they need whenever they need it. More importantly, using an API allows for faster software deployments and we are going to look at the three key ways in which this happens.

Customization Using a Proven and Reliable Framework

In the past, businesses that wanted to add new features to their existing solutions had to build the features themselves or not support them if they did not have the manpower and budget to build them. APIs now provide functionality and features that businesses can rely on without having to build the solutions they require from scratch.

Additionally, a well-documented, built and tested API allows for reliable, stable, and fast software deployments. Developers do not have to sift through numerous lines of code and massive amounts of data because the API will give them access to only what they need. Developers also know what data they will receive so they can only focus on the APIs required for their software deployment.

Preventing Reinvention

We are in the age of microservices where the best solutions are built by bringing the best services together. An API First business model allows businesses to integrate any technology into their software as long as there is adequate documentation for it, and it is stable and reliable enough.

Businesses can query the data they need using the provided APIs and then trigger workflows and actions depending on what they need. Such triggers can happen at any time based on user actions or additional data being sent to the software after an API update. Think of a ticker that shows the price of the three most popular cryptocurrencies.

Allowing Developers to Use Frameworks They are Familiar with

APIs do not care about the tech or stack you use, as long as you can fetch and consume API data. This means developers can build their software solutions on any language or text stack they wish. This can save a lot of time and cost in cases where a developer is already experienced in writing code in a given language.

Also, businesses that are driven by APIs do not have to hire developers who know specific languages; they only need someone who can configure an API to work however they wish.

Developers have also unofficially agreed to use JSON as the data format for API calls. All modern browsers and mobile frameworks can work with this data format that follows known RESTful patterns. 

Developers can use it to build serverless software that does not require a backend whose configuration would slow down deployment, especially in complex environments.

APIs accelerate deployment and can give your software solutions features that you do not have to build yourself. In today’s fast-paced business and technological environment, APIs can help you stay ahead of the competition by being a critical differentiator.