Api

[srachit]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in programming using API's, but I do not seem to be able to grasp the concept of what exactly is an API and how do I use it? Is a API a kind of module?

For examples sake, let us assume we are speaking about the google API's. How do I harness the power of google maps/search or any other of their product, in my program?

For further information, I am currently using python, so if anyone knows any good tutorials with python and API's it'd be really helpful!

Thanks

Rachit

[a_bertrand]

API => Application Programming Interface

Basically it's just a library which gives you access to pre-made features. DirectX on windows is an API for 3D and 2D graphics as well as sound and controllers (game controllers).

For the Google API, check their docs ;)

[srachit]

Could you by any chance provide a quick mock up of using any api of your choice? Language of use doesnt matter, i just want to understand the concept of it

[a_bertrand]

I don't really understand your problem. API => premade functions you can use. So whatever can be an example: $file=fopen("toto","r");

This is just a File IO API included inside PHP ;)

[Aventro]

Why would you want to use API when you don't know what to use it for? If you want access to Google Maps, find the API Google maps provides. It's simple as that.

[srachit]

I just wanted something like this: http://www.webmonkey.com/2010/02/get_started_with_the_twitter_api/

To understand what I can do with an API and how to use it. But thanks for the help, good ol' google to the help in the end :P