Glossary

API and integration

Definition

An API is a documented way for one program to exchange data with another; an integration uses APIs to connect services — a website, a CRM, payments, a messenger — so data moves between them automatically.

Example

When a customer pays online, the payment service tells the website through its API, the order is marked paid and the CRM gets the deal without anyone typing anything.

Common mistakes

Storing API keys in the website code where anyone can read them.
Not planning for the other service being down or changing its API.
Connecting everything to everything, so nobody knows where the data comes from.

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