Lowdown: APIs
Nick Hirstadam&eveDDB
You've probably bought or developed an idea that uses an API already. But what are they, exactly? API stands for application programming interface. Their purpose is to open up the functionality of apps, websites, operating systems, hardware – anything that runs on code – to other developers. APIs allow you to build websites that incorporate things such as Google's maps and Facebook 'like' buttons, or apps that use an iPhone's Touch ID for security.
Imagine you're a developer. You're building an app that directs people to the nearest coffee shop. Instead of building your own...