An “application programming interface” (API) allows different software applications to communicate and interact with one another. APIs enable developers to utilize specific functions or data from services or platforms without needing to understand their internal workings. This facilitates the integration of various systems, enabling features like payment processing, data retrieval, and third-party functionality. By enabling seamless interaction between disparate applications, APIs accelerate software development, foster innovation, and improve user experiences, making them crucial in today’s interconnected digital landscape.