An application-programming interface (API) is a set of programming instructions and standards for accessing a Web-based software application or tool. For example, a company, such as Amazon, releases its API to the public so that developers can place the API on websites to access Amazon’s services. In this case, using the Amazon API, a third party Web site can provide a direct link to Amazon products with correct pricing and an option to “buy now.” The site using the API will receive a commission for each sale initiated through the API.
