What Is an API? Quick & Easy Explanation in 3 Minutes π
Learn what an API is and why it's essential in modern software development. This beginner-friendly video breaks down the concept in just 3 minutes!

Postman
1.1M views β’ Dec 14, 2023

About this video
What is an API and why does it matter in modern software development? In just 3 minutes, this beginner-friendly video explains the concept of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) using a simple and relatable restaurant metaphor.
π Timestamps:
00:00 β What is an API?
00:24 β The Restaurant Metaphor for APIs
01:28 β Types of APIs: REST, gRPC, and More
02:16 β Real-World API Examples
02:52 β Why APIs Matter for Developers
APIs are the backbone of todayβs digital world, enabling apps to communicate, share data, and function efficiently without needing to reinvent the wheel. Whether youβre building a mobile app, working with cloud services, or just curious how your favorite apps work together, understanding APIs is essential.
APIs enable developers to build applications faster and more efficiently by leveraging existing tools and services. Instead of creating features like translation, payment processing, or location tracking from the ground up, developers can simply integrate the appropriate API to add that functionality instantly.
In this video, you'll learn:
β’ What an API is (Application Programming Interface)
β’ How APIs work using a real-world restaurant example
β’ The roles of API clients, servers, requests, and responses
β’ Differences between REST APIs, gRPC, and other protocols
β’ Real-life examples like Google Translate, Stripe, and social media APIs
π What is an API guide: https://www.postman.com/what-is-an-api/
π Timestamps:
00:00 β What is an API?
00:24 β The Restaurant Metaphor for APIs
01:28 β Types of APIs: REST, gRPC, and More
02:16 β Real-World API Examples
02:52 β Why APIs Matter for Developers
APIs are the backbone of todayβs digital world, enabling apps to communicate, share data, and function efficiently without needing to reinvent the wheel. Whether youβre building a mobile app, working with cloud services, or just curious how your favorite apps work together, understanding APIs is essential.
APIs enable developers to build applications faster and more efficiently by leveraging existing tools and services. Instead of creating features like translation, payment processing, or location tracking from the ground up, developers can simply integrate the appropriate API to add that functionality instantly.
In this video, you'll learn:
β’ What an API is (Application Programming Interface)
β’ How APIs work using a real-world restaurant example
β’ The roles of API clients, servers, requests, and responses
β’ Differences between REST APIs, gRPC, and other protocols
β’ Real-life examples like Google Translate, Stripe, and social media APIs
π What is an API guide: https://www.postman.com/what-is-an-api/
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Video Information
Views
1.1M
Likes
1.1K
Duration
3:18
Published
Dec 14, 2023
User Reviews
4.1
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