Apidog

All-in-one Collaborative API Development Platform

API Design

API Documentation

API Debugging

API Mock

API Automated Testing

Sign up for free
Home / Viewpoint / API Glossary: API Industry Terminology (2024 Version)

API Glossary: API Industry Terminology (2024 Version)

API glossary typically refers to a collection or compilation of various components and information related to an API (Application Programming Interface). With API Glossay, you will be able to build a solid API vocabulary, and get more fimiliar to API Industry.

API glossary typically refers to a collection or compilation of various components and information related to an API (Application Programming Interface). API glossary aims to provide developers with a single, authoritative source of information about the API, enabling them to understand its capabilities, integrate it effectively, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the integration process. With API Glossay, you will be able to build a solid API vocabulary, and get more fimiliar to API Industry.

What is API

An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules and protocols that defines how different software components should interact and communicate with each other. It specifies the methods, data formats, and conventions that developers need to follow when building applications that integrate with other software systems, platforms, or services.

APIs have gained significant popularity and widespread adoption in recent years, primarily due to the rise of cloud computing, mobile applications, and the increasing need for interconnectivity and integration between different software systems and platforms. According to DataHorizzon Research, the API Management Market size was valued at USD 5.2 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a market size of USD 41.9 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 23.3%.

API Management Market To Reach USD 41.9 Billion By 2032, Says DataHorizzon Research
Detailed Analysis of API Management Market Report.Fort Collins, Colorado, Nov. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to DataHorizzon Research, the API Management Market size was valued at USD 5.2 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a market size of USD 41.9 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 23.3%.…

Now, let us get through all the vocabulary related to the API industry.

Aiohttp

Aiohttp is an asynchronous HTTP client/server library for Python, built on top of the asyncio library. It allows developers to write high-performance, concurrent HTTP applications.

AIOHTTP Python | Build Asynchronous Web Apps With This Framework!
AIOHTTP: Powerful Python lib for async HTTP. Learn how to build fast web clients & servers that can handle high traffic with ease using Python’s asyncio library!

AJAX

AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is a technique for creating interactive web applications that allows the client-side to communicate with the server-side asynchronously, without requiring a full page refresh.

Mastering AJAX PUT Requests: The Key to Efficient API Data Updates
Discover the power of AJAX PUT requests and how they revolutionize data updates in APIs. Learn to create efficient client-side updates, handle responses, and implement best practices for smooth integrations.

API Access

API access refers to the ability of a client application to interact with an API, usually through authentication and authorization mechanisms that control who can access the API and what actions they can perform.

API Architecture

API architecture describes the overall design and structure of an API, including its components, interfaces, and the relationships between them. It defines how the API is built, how it functions, and how it can be used by client applications.

What is API architecture? - A Comprehensive Guide
Unlock the secrets of API architecture in this conversational deep dive. Learn why a robust API architecture is crucial for building scalable, maintainable, and secure APIs. Explore architectural styles like REST, GraphQL, and microservices.

API Authentication

API authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a client application or user that is attempting to access an API. It ensures that only authorized clients can access the API and its resources.

API Authentication VS. Authorization | Differences in Security You Should Know
API authentication and authorization work hand in hand to ensure which users can access the APIs and the corresponding data, along with what users can do with them. Understand more about API security by reading this article!

API Blueprint

API Blueprint is a high-level API description language that allows developers to design and document APIs in a human-readable format. It uses a Markdown-based syntax and can be used to generate documentation, tests, and client SDKs.

API Blueprint - A Guide to Fully Understanding APIs
API Blueprint allows developers to describe web APIs with clarity. Through displaying API documentation using a human-readable structure to define data resources and data formats, PAI Blueprint is optimal for developers that wish to collaborate with one another.

API Call

An API call, also known as an API request, is a message sent by a client application to an API endpoint to perform a specific action, such as retrieving data, creating a resource, or updating information.

API Calls: What is an API Call and How to Make it
What is an API Call? An API call refers to the process of a computer program or application making a request to an external service or server, typically through an API (Application Programming Interface).

API Client

An API client is a piece of software that interacts with an API on behalf of a user or another application. It sends requests to the API and receives responses, handling tasks such as authentication, data formatting, and error handling.

The Best Free API Client in 2024
In this article, we will introduce you to the most powerful free API client. With this API client, anyone can easily send API requests, receive and validate responses, and automate API tests.

API Collaboration

API collaboration refers to the process of multiple developers or teams working together to design, build, and maintain an API. It involves tools and practices for version control, documentation, testing, and communication.

API Collaboration Workflow | Apidog
This article will guide you with the best practices for API collaboration workflow in Apidog.

An API cookie is a small piece of data that is stored on the client-side and sent back to the API server with each request. It is used to maintain session information, authenticate users, or store user preferences.

What Are API Cookies? How to Send it?
If you’ve ever wondered what API cookies are and how to send and manage them effectively, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of API cookies, exploring their definition, and purpose.

API Credentials

API credentials are a set of authentication details, such as an API key, username and password, or OAuth tokens, that are used to authenticate a client application and grant access to an API.

API Definition

An API definition is a formal description of an API's endpoints, request and response formats, authentication requirements, and other details. It can be written in a variety of formats, such as OpenAPI (Swagger), RAML, or API Blueprint.

API Design

API design is the process of planning and creating an API that meets the needs of its users and follows best practices for functionality, security, and performance. It involves defining the API's endpoints, request and response formats, authentication and authorization mechanisms, and documentation.

10 Best API Design Tools for Seamless Experience 2024
Explore the top API design tools, including Apidog, SwaggerHub, and Postman. Learn why API design matters for user experience, scalability, and security

API Development

API development is the process of building and implementing an API based on its design. It involves writing server-side code to handle requests and responses, integrating with databases and other services, and testing and debugging the API.

How to Develop a REST API? Tools and Detailed Guide
This guide introduces to guide you to how to develop REST API and recommends some tools such as Postman, Swagger, Apidog, etc.

API Economy

The API economy refers to the growing trend of businesses exposing their services and data through APIs, allowing third-party developers to build applications and integrations on top of them. It enables companies to create new revenue streams, foster innovation, and build ecosystems around their products.

API Ecosystem

An API ecosystem is a network of interconnected APIs, developers, and applications that work together to provide value to users. It includes the API providers, the developers who build on top of the APIs, and the end-users who benefit from the applications and services created.

API Framework

An API framework is a set of tools, libraries, and best practices that help developers build APIs more efficiently and consistently. Examples include Express.js for Node.js, Django REST Framework for Python, and Laravel for PHP.

FastAPI vs Flask - Choosing the Right Python Web Framework for Your API
Discover the epic clash between FastAPI and Flask, two powerful Python web frameworks for building APIs. This in-depth blog post explores their strengths, performance, developer experience, ecosystems, and use cases through a conversational and engaging narrative.

API Gateway

An API gateway is a server that acts as a single entry point for a group of microservices. It handles tasks such as request routing, composition, and protocol translation, and can also provide additional features such as authentication, rate limiting, and caching.

What is Amazon API Gateway? - Amazon API Gateway
Overview of Amazon API Gateway and its features.

API Governance

API governance refers to the processes and policies that organizations use to manage and control their APIs throughout their lifecycle. It includes aspects such as API design standards, security policies, versioning strategies, and deprecation plans.

What is API Governance? Benefits & Best Practice
API governance is more than a mere managerial task; it’s a prerequisite for digital excellence. It entails the formulation and enforcement of guidelines, standards, and procedures governing the entire lifecycle of APIs.

API Headers

API headers are additional pieces of information sent along with an API request or response. They provide metadata about the request or response, such as the content type, authentication tokens, caching directives, and more.

What are Some Common and Useful HTTP Headers?
Learn how to use HTTP headers to optimize the performance, security, and usability of your APIs, and how to test and debug them with Apidog

API Hub

An API hub is a centralized platform that allows developers to discover, explore, and consume multiple APIs in one place. It provides features such as API documentation, code samples, and interactive testing tools.

Apidog An integrated platform for API design, debugging, development, mock, and testing
Discover all the APIs you need for your projects at Apidog’s API Hub, including Twitter API, Instagram API, GitHub REST API, Notion API, Google API, etc.

API Integration

API integration is the process of connecting two or more applications or services using their APIs. It allows data and functionality to be shared between systems, enabling them to work together seamlessly.

Optimize Efficiency: A Guide to Effective API Integration
Effective API integration unlocks a world of possibilities, streamlining workflows, boosting efficiency, and fostering innovation. This article explores the what, why, and how of API integration, providing valuable insights for businesses seeking to leverage the power of APIs to achieve their goals.

API Key

An API key is a unique identifier that is used to authenticate a client application when making requests to an API. It is typically a long string of characters that is passed in the request header or as a query parameter.

What Is an API key? A Comprehensive Guide
An API key is a unique code generated by an API provider and used by developers to authenticate their access to the API’s services. An API key acts as a security token that allows a user to access and use an API’s resources or data.

API Lifecycle

The API lifecycle refers to the different stages that an API goes through from its initial conception to its eventual retirement. It includes phases such as design, development, testing, deployment, versioning, and deprecation.

API Management

API management is the process of overseeing and controlling an organization's APIs throughout their lifecycle. It involves tasks such as API design, development, testing, deployment, versioning, and retirement, as well as monitoring, securing, and scaling the APIs.

11 Top API Management Tools (Free)
How to choose the right API management tool? Postman, SwaggerHub, Apigee, or another latest platform like Apidog? Keep reading to learn about the best API management tools available.

API Marketplace

An API marketplace is an online platform where API providers can publish and sell their APIs, and where developers can discover and consume them. It provides features such as API documentation, pricing and billing, and community reviews. API Hub is also regrades as a great API Marketplace.

Apidog An integrated platform for API design, debugging, development, mock, and testing
Discover all the APIs you need for your projects at Apidog’s API Hub, including Twitter API, Instagram API, GitHub REST API, Notion API, Google API, etc.

API Mocking

API mocking is the process of creating a simulated version of an API for testing purposes. It allows developers to test their applications against a mock API before the real API is available, or to simulate different scenarios and edge cases.

How to Mock an API in ONE Minute
An excellent mocking server should generate data itself. Developers should pay attention to real essential things.

API Monitoring

API monitoring is the practice of tracking and analyzing the performance, availability, and usage of an API over time. It helps ensure that the API is meeting its service level agreements and provides insights into how it is being used by clients.

Best API Monitoring Tools 2024 (Free & Paid Service)
Discover the importance of API monitoring in software development and explore the top API monitoring tools in. Learn how to ensure seamless digital experiences

API Platform

An API platform is a comprehensive set of tools and services for designing, building, managing, and consuming APIs. It provides features such as API design and documentation, testing and debugging, deployment and hosting, and analytics and monitoring.

Apidog An integrated platform for API design, debugging, development, mock, and testing
REAL API Design-first Development Platform. Design. Debug. Test. Document. Mock. Build APIs Faster & Together.

API Portal

An API portal is a web-based interface that provides developers with access to an organization's APIs and related resources, such as documentation, code samples, and support. It is often used as the main entry point for developers who want to use the APIs.

API Reference

An API reference is a detailed documentation of an API's endpoints, request and response formats, authentication requirements, and other technical details. It is used by developers to understand how to use the API and integrate it into their applications.

API Reference VS. Documentation | What You Need to Know
Confused by API references and documentation? They both guide developers, but understanding the difference is key. This guide clarifies what each offers and when to use them, empowering you to navigate the API world.

API Request

An API request is a message sent by a client application to an API endpoint to perform a specific action, such as retrieving data, creating a resource, or updating information. It typically includes an HTTP method (such as GET, POST, or PUT), a URL, headers, and sometimes a request body.

Sending API Requests | Apidog
In this section, you will learn how to send API requests by using Apidog.

API Response

An API response is a message sent by an API endpoint back to the client application in response to an API request. It typically includes a status code indicating the success or failure of the request, headers, and a response body containing the requested data or an error message.

API Response - What You Must Know
Crafting well-structured API responses is akin to mastering the art of communication—each response conveys not just data, but also context, guidance, and clarity

API Server

An API server is a server-side application that exposes an API for client applications to consume. It handles incoming API requests, performs the necessary actions (such as retrieving data from a database or processing business logic), and sends back API responses.

API Specification

An API specification is a detailed description of an API's endpoints, request and response formats, authentication requirements, and other technical details. It is used to document the API and ensure that it is implemented consistently across different teams and platforms.

API Testing

API testing is the process of evaluating an API to ensure that it meets its functional and non-functional requirements, such as correctness, reliability, performance, and security. It involves writing and running automated tests that send requests to the API and verify the responses.

Top 5 REST API Testing Tools for Testing ( Free)
Many free REST API testing tools can help streamline the process and ensure high-quality end products. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 5 free tools for REST API testing that can help you accelerate your API testing workflow, reduce bugs, and achieve better application performance.

API Throttling

API throttling is the process of limiting the number of requests that a client application can make to an API within a certain time period. It is used to prevent abuse, protect against denial-of-service attacks, and ensure fair usage of the API resources.

API Throttling | What is it for?
API throttling is an essential process that API developers need to limit how often users can access their API. With API throttling, you can prevent overloads, thus ensuring a smooth API performance for all users, as well as protecting the API from denial-of-service attacks!

API Versioning

API versioning is the practice of managing changes to an API's endpoints, request and response formats, and behavior over time. It allows API providers to introduce new features and make breaking changes without disrupting existing client applications.

Navigating API Versioning: Strategies for Seamless Integration
API versioning is crucial and plays an important role in various factor of your API designs. Understanding how it works will help you make better decisions and better serve your users well.

API-First

API-first is an approach to software development where the API is designed and developed before the rest of the application. It prioritizes the API as the core interface for the application and ensures that it is well-designed, documented, and tested.

What is API First? API First Approach
In this article, we will discuss the principles of API First, the API First design considerations, the API First approach, and the API First vs. code-first approach.

ApiDoc

ApiDoc is a tool for generating API documentation from code comments. It supports a variety of programming languages and frameworks and can generate documentation in formats such as HTML, Markdown, and PDF.

How to Setup apiDoc? (An Ultimate Guide)
Embarking on the journey of optimizing API documentation? This guide provides step-by-step insights into setting up apiDoc, offering a comprehensive resource for enhancing your API development process. Dive in to streamline and elevate your documentation capabilities.

Apidog

Apidog is a tool for testing and debugging APIs. It provides a web-based interface for sending requests to APIs and inspecting the responses, as well as features such as request history, environment variables, and code generation.

Apidog An integrated platform for API design, debugging, development, mock, and testing
REAL API Design-first Development Platform. Design. Debug. Test. Document. Mock. Build APIs Faster & Together.

Apidog CLI

Apidog CLI is a command-line interface for the Apidog tool. It allows developers to test and debug APIs from the command line, using a simple and intuitive syntax.

Apidog CLI | Apidog
This article introduces you how to download and use the Apidog CLI.

APIs as a Product

APIs as a Product is a strategy where APIs are treated as standalone products that are designed, developed, and marketed to meet the needs of specific customers or markets. It involves creating APIs that are well-documented, easy to use, and provide value to their consumers.

Axios

Axios is a popular JavaScript library for making HTTP requests from the browser or Node.js. It provides a simple and intuitive API for sending and receiving data from APIs, with features such as request and response interceptors, request cancellation, and error handling.

Axios - Apidog Learning

Bearer Token

A bearer token is a type of access token used in OAuth 2.0 authentication. It is a string that represents the authorization granted to the client by the resource owner and is sent in the Authorization header of API requests.

What is Bearer Token (An Ultimate Guide)
What is Bearer Token? A complete explanation of its details! There are many API authentication methods over HTTP. Bearer Token is one of the most commonly used. In this article, Bearer Token will be fully explained to you.

Binary

Binary refers to data that is represented using only two values, typically 0 and 1. In the context of APIs, binary data is often used for non-textual content such as images, audio, or video.

Upload Files to the Server in Binary Format
Binary upload is often contrasted with text-based upload, where the data being uploaded consists of human-readable characters encoded in a specific character set, such as ASCII or UTF-8.

Body

The body of an API request or response is the main content of the message, typically containing the data being sent or received. It is separate from the headers and is often formatted as JSON, XML, or plain text.

Understanding HTTP GET with Request Body
In HTTP, you might wonder why GET doesn’t use a request body, unlike other methods. This guide explains why and how to use GET requests.

Cache

A cache is a temporary storage mechanism used to improve the performance of an API by storing frequently accessed data in memory. It allows the API to serve requests faster by avoiding the need to retrieve data from slower storage systems.

CI/CD

CI/CD stands for Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment. It is a software development practice where code changes are automatically built, tested, and deployed to production on a regular basis. In the context of APIs, CI/CD pipelines are often used to ensure that API changes are thoroughly tested and deployed safely.

What Is CI/CD and How Does It Work
What Is CI/CD?CI/CD stands for Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (or Continuous Delivery), and it represents a set of principles, best practices, and tools that enable software development teams to deliver code changes more frequently and reliably.

Client Code

Client code refers to the code that is written to interact with an API from a client application. It typically involves sending HTTP requests to the API endpoints, handling responses, and processing the returned data.

Code Generation | Apidog
This article introduces how to use Apidog to generate code for various languages and frameworks.

Content-Type

The Content-Type header is used to specify the media type of the data being sent in an API request or response body. It helps the recipient understand how to parse and interpret the data. Common content types for APIs include application/json, application/xml, and text/plain.

What is HTTP Content-Type
Content-Type is essential in HTTP communication to specify the type of data being sent. This article introduces fundamental information about Content-Type, detailing its types and how to specify them when sending requests.

CORS

CORS stands for Cross-Origin Resource Sharing. It is a security mechanism that allows a web page to make requests to an API hosted on a different domain. CORS headers are used to specify which origins are allowed to access the API and what types of requests are permitted.

Cross-origin resource sharing - Wikipedia

CRUD

CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete. It refers to the four basic operations that can be performed on data stored in a database or exposed through an API. In the context of APIs, CRUD operations are typically mapped to HTTP methods such as POST, GET, PUT, and DELETE.

What is CRUD API
CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete. It represents the fundamental operations that can be performed on data in a database or any persistent storage system.

cURL

cURL is a command-line tool for sending HTTP requests and receiving responses. It is commonly used for testing and debugging APIs, as well as for automating API interactions in scripts and other applications.

What is cURL and What is the cURL Command Used for?
What is cURL in API?“Curl” stands for “Client for URLs” and is a command-line tool and library for transferring data with URLs. It is widely used for making HTTP requests to interact with web APIs.

DDoS

DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service. It is a type of cyber attack where multiple compromised systems flood an API with a large volume of traffic, overwhelming its resources and making it unavailable to legitimate users. API rate limiting and other security measures can help mitigate the risk of DDoS attacks.

Denial-of-service attack - Wikipedia

DELETE

DELETE is an HTTP method used to delete a resource from an API. It is typically used in RESTful APIs to remove a specific record or document from a database.

HTTP DELETE Requests
HTTP DELETE requests play a crucial role in data management and resource deletion. This article delves into the nuances of utilizing HTTP DELETE and introduces the user-friendly Apidog tool to enhance the experience.

DevOps

DevOps is a software development approach that emphasizes collaboration and communication between development and operations teams. It involves practices such as continuous integration, continuous delivery, and infrastructure as code, which can help streamline the development and deployment of APIs.

DevOps - Wikipedia

Django

Django is a high-level Python web framework that can be used to build web APIs. It provides features such as an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) for database management, authentication and authorization, and serialization of data.

What is the Difference between Django and Django REST Framework?
This is where Django Rest Framework (DRF) steps in, adding a layer of specialization for creating RESTful APIs. In this tutorial, we’ll explore the distinctions between Django and Django Rest Framework to guide you in choosing the right tool for your web development endeavors.

Documentation

API documentation is a detailed description of an API's endpoints, request and response formats, authentication requirements, and other technical details. It is used to help developers understand how to use the API and integrate it into their applications.

How to Design a Standard API Interface Documentation
In this post, you will learn the key steps and best practices for designing comprehensive API interface documentation for yourself.

Endpoint

An API endpoint is a specific URL that a client application can send requests to in order to interact with the API. Each endpoint typically corresponds to a specific resource or action, such as retrieving a list of items or creating a new record.

Understanding APIs and Endpoints: A Comprehensive Guide
Dive into the world of APIs and endpoints with our comprehensive guide. Understand the differences and their roles in web development. Perfect for both developers and tech enthusiasts!

Environment

An environment in the context of APIs refers to a specific configuration or setup of the API and its dependencies. Examples include development, staging, and production environments, each with its own set of servers, databases, and other resources.

Environment Management | Apidog
A project will be in different environments at different stages, such as development, test, and production environment. Different environments usually have different base URLs, API parameter values, etc. It is very tedious to update the base URL and parameters frequently when the environment changes…

FastAPI

FastAPI is a modern, fast (high-performance), web framework for building APIs with Python 3.6+ based on standard Python type hints. It is designed to be easy to use, fast to code, and suitable for production environments.

What is FastAPI
FastAPI is a modern, fast (high-performance), web framework for building APIs with Python 3.7+ based on standard Python type hints. It is designed to be easy to use and to provide high performance for building APIs.

Fetch

Fetch is a built-in JavaScript function for making HTTP requests from a web browser. It provides a simple and consistent way to fetch resources from APIs and handle responses.

What is JavaScript Fetch? | Understand and Utilize it Today!
JavaScript Fetch API offers a modern way to fetch data from servers. It replaces older methods like XHR with benefits like promises for cleaner code, simpler syntax, and better integration with modern web features. Empower yourself to build dynamic and interactive web applications now!

Flask

Flask is a lightweight Python web framework that can be used to build web APIs. It provides a simple and intuitive way to define API endpoints, handle requests and responses, and interact with databases and other services.

Flask vs Django: How to Choose the Right Python Web Framework for Your Project
Flask and Django are both popular Python web frameworks, but they have very different approaches and philosophies. Learn how to compare and choose the right framework for your project in this blog post.

Form Data

Form data is a way of encoding data in an HTTP request body using key-value pairs, typically used when submitting HTML forms. In the context of APIs, form data is often used for sending data to endpoints that expect a specific format, such as application/x-www-form-urlencoded.

What is Form-Data Content-Type
Form-data is one of the formats for data sent from a web form. Specifically, it encodes values entered into a form as name-value pairs and sends them with the Content-Type header set to multipart/form-data.

GET

GET is an HTTP method used to retrieve a resource from an API. It is typically used in RESTful APIs to fetch data from a server, such as a specific record or a list of items.

HTTP Methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
This article explores the significance of each HTTP method, such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and more, along with their appropriate use cases and best practices.

GitHub

GitHub is a web-based platform for version control and collaboration. It is commonly used for hosting and managing source code repositories, including those for APIs and their client applications.

GitLab

GitLab is a web-based platform for version control and collaboration, similar to GitHub. It provides features such as issue tracking, continuous integration and deployment, and code review.

GraphQL

GraphQL is a query language and runtime for APIs. It allows clients to request exactly the data they need, in a single request, and enables APIs to evolve without breaking existing clients.

GraphQL Tutorial: What is GraphQL
What is GraphQL? What are its use cases? This article will introduce you to the basics of GraphQL, so if you want to learn more about it, don’t miss out.

gRPC

gRPC is a high-performance, open-source framework for building remote procedure call (RPC) APIs. It uses protocol buffers as the interface definition language and supports features such as bi-directional streaming and flow control.

What Is gRPC? Definition, Architecture Pros & Cons
gRPC is an open-source Remote Procedure Call (RPC) framework developed by Google. In this article, we will explore its definition, architecture, pros, and cons, and compare it with other RPC frameworks.

HEAD is an HTTP method used to retrieve the headers of a resource from an API, without fetching the actual content. It is often used to check the existence or metadata of a resource before making a full request.

What is HTTP HEAD Method?
Learn how to use the HTTP HEAD method to optimize web performance, improve security, and enhance user experience. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the HTTP HEAD method, including its use cases, benefits, and limitations.

HTTP

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. It is the protocol used for communication between APIs and client applications, defining how messages are formatted and transmitted.

HTTP Method

An HTTP method is a verb that specifies the desired action to be performed on a resource in an API. Common HTTP methods include GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE.

HTTP Methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
This article explores the significance of each HTTP method, such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and more, along with their appropriate use cases and best practices.

HTTPie

HTTPie is a command-line HTTP client that provides a simple and intuitive interface for sending requests to APIs and viewing responses. It supports features such as syntax highlighting, JSON formatting, and authentication.

How to Use HTTPie in 2024 ?
HTTPie is a command-line tool that simplifies interacting with HTTP servers and APIs. Learn how to use HTTPie in 2024 to make requests, upload files, manage sessions, and more.

HTTPX

HTTPX is a fully featured HTTP client library for Python 3, which provides sync and async APIs, and support for both HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2.

HTTPX [Python] | Fast-performing and Robust Python Library
HTTPX is a Python library that prioritizes speed and efficiency for HTTP requests. It excels in handling high-traffic applications and large data transfers. Unlike others, HTTPX focuses on raw performance, making it ideal for building ultra-responsive web services and APIs.

Jenkins

Jenkins is an open-source automation server that can be used to automate various tasks related to building, testing, and deploying APIs. It provides a wide range of plugins and integrations for different languages, frameworks, and tools.

Testing with Jenkins | Apidog
This article introduces you how to intergate Apidog CLI into Jenkins to automate the testing process.

jQuery

jQuery is a fast, small, and feature-rich JavaScript library. It makes things like HTML document traversal and manipulation, event handling, animation, and Ajax much simpler with an easy-to-use API that works across a multitude of browsers.

How to Send API Requests Using jQuery
Learn how to send API requests using jQuery. Discover step-by-step instructions, practical examples, and best practices for making API calls using jQuery.

JSON

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate. It is commonly used for transmitting data between APIs and client applications.

What is JSON? (A Beginner’s Guide)
JSON, short for JavaScript Object Notation, is a crucial data interchange format in the world of web development. We’ll explore JSON in-depth, covering its syntax, examples, advantages, and best practices.

JSON Schema

JSON Schema is a vocabulary that allows you to annotate and validate JSON documents. It provides a way to describe the structure and constraints of JSON data, which can be used for documentation, validation, and code generation.

JSON Schema Types: A Comprehensive Guide for Developers
Enhance data integrity and reliability with JSON Schema, a key standard for validating JSON data structures. Explore the importance of JSON Schema types.

Markdown

Markdown is a lightweight markup language that is often used for documentation and readme files. It provides a simple and readable way to format text, including headings, lists, links, and code snippets.

Microservices

Microservices are an architectural style where a large application is decomposed into smaller, independently deployable services that communicate with each other through well-defined APIs. Each microservice focuses on a specific business capability and can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently of other services in the application.

Microservices - Wikipedia

Monolith

A monolith is a traditional architectural style where an application is built as a single, self-contained unit. In contrast to microservices, a monolithic application has all its functionality within a single codebase and is deployed as a single unit.

MessagePack

MessagePack is a binary serialization format that is similar to JSON but more compact and efficient. It is often used in APIs to reduce the size of data transferred over the network.

What is MessagePack| Apidog Now Supports msgpack
MessagePack is an efficient binary serialization format for objects that makes data exchange more efficient. In this article, we’ll first introduce some basic information about MessagePack, and then recommend MsgPack-compatible API clients.

OAuth

OAuth is an open standard for authorization that allows users to grant third-party applications access to their resources without sharing their credentials. It is commonly used in APIs to enable secure authentication and authorization flows.

OAuth 1 VS. 2 | Vital Comparison Between Authentication Protocols
Be it old-school or modern, OAuth 1 and 2 each bring different functionalities to developers today. Understand more about these authentication types to ensure that your APIs can provide the necessary support consumers need!

OpenAPI

OpenAPI, formerly known as Swagger, is a specification for describing, producing, consuming, and visualizing RESTful APIs. It provides a standard format for defining API endpoints, request and response formats, authentication, and other details.

OpenAPI 3.0 Tutorial: OpenAPI Specification Definition
Learn how to define the OpenAPI Specification in this tutorial for consistent and accurate documentation of your RESTful APIs using OpenAPI 3.0.

OpenID Connect

OpenID Connect is an authentication protocol built on top of OAuth 2.0. It allows clients to verify the identity of users and obtain basic profile information about them, enabling single sign-on and user-centric identity management.

Parameters

Parameters are variables that are passed to an API endpoint in a request, either as part of the URL (path parameters), in the query string (query parameters), in headers, or in the request body. They are used to provide additional information or context to the API.

How to Use Request URL Parameters
During web development, request parameters are often used to pass data between the client and server when sending and receiving APIs. In this article, We will introduce basic information about request parameters in detail, and also explain how to use URL parameters that are commonly used.

PATCH

PATCH is an HTTP method used to partially modify a resource in an API. It is similar to PUT but allows for more granular updates, sending only the changes rather than the entire resource.

HTTP PATCH Method: Everything You Need to Know
The PATCH method is a powerful tool for making partial modifications to an existing resource. It’s a great way to update specific fields of a resource without having to replace the entire resource.

Path Parameter

A path parameter is a variable within the path of an API endpoint URL that is used to specify a specific resource or set of resources. For example, in the URL /users/{id}, id is a path parameter that identifies a particular user.

Guide: What is API Path Parameter & How to Use It?
API path parameters are efficient tools that websites utilize for identifying specific resources located in vast and deep collections. Continue reading if you’re an API developer trying to understand how to craft and implement API path parameters!

POST

POST is an HTTP method used to create a new resource in an API. It is typically used in RESTful APIs to send data to the server to be stored or processed.

An Ultimate Guide to HTTP POST Request Method
In a POST request, data is sent within the request body, allowing for the transmission of information such as form submissions, file uploads, or API interactions.

Postman

Postman is a popular API development and testing tool. It provides a graphical interface for sending requests to APIs, viewing responses, and organizing API collections and environments.

What is Postman (A Tutorial for Beginners)
What is Postman? This article will provide a comprehensive introduction to Postman, so let’s get started.

Pre-Processors

Pre-processors are scripts or functions that are executed before an API request is sent. They can be used to modify the request parameters, headers, or body, or to perform additional logic or validation.

Pre/Post Processors & Scripts | Apidog

PUT

PUT is an HTTP method used to update or replace a resource in an API. It is typically used in RESTful APIs to send data to the server to be stored or processed, replacing any existing data for the specified resource.

What is Put Request in API (2024 Newest Guide)
Curious about PUT requests in APIs? Discover what they are, how they work, and when to use them in this insightful blog post! You’ll learn how to send PUT requests, what the response codes mean, and how to handle errors.

Query Parameter

A query parameter is a variable that is passed to an API endpoint in the query string of the URL. It is used to provide additional information or filters to modify the response, such as pagination, sorting, or searching.

The Essential Guide to HTTP Request Parameters in REST API
Request parameters allow you to pass data to an API endpoint when making a request. They are an important part of designing and using REST APIs.

RAML

RAML (RESTful API Modeling Language) is a language for describing RESTful APIs. It provides a structured way to define API endpoints, request and response formats, authentication, and other details, similar to OpenAPI.

Getting Started with RAML: A step-by-step tutorial for beginners
RAML (RESTful API Modeling Language) is a YAML-based language that allows you to describe and document APIs in a clear and concise manner. Understanding the syntax and key components of RAML is essential for beginners to effectively use this powerful tool.

Raw

Raw refers to the unprocessed or unformatted data sent in an API request or response body. It is often used for sending binary data or custom formats that do not fit into standard content types like JSON or XML.

REST

REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style for building APIs. It is based on a set of principles, such as using HTTP methods for CRUD operations, using URLs to identify resources, and returning data in standard formats like JSON or XML.

What is REST API & How to Create it
What is REST API? This post will show you basic information about REST API and a detailed guide on how to integrate REST API with Apidog.

RPC

RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is a protocol that allows a program to execute a procedure or function on another computer or server, as if it were a local procedure call. In the context of APIs, RPC-style APIs expose methods or actions rather than resources.

What is JSON-RPC(Remote Procedure Calls)?
JSON-RPC is a remote procedure call protocol that uses JSON for encoding and is used by many users. So what if you need to send a request or something to test the JSON-RPC API? In this article, we will show you how to send a JSON-RPC API request and validate the response.

Serverless

Serverless is a cloud computing model where the cloud provider manages the infrastructure and allocation of resources, allowing developers to focus on writing code without worrying about server management. Serverless APIs are often used for event-driven or intermittent workloads.

AWS::Serverless::Api - AWS Serverless Application Model
Creates a collection of Amazon API Gateway resources and methods that can be invoked through HTTPS endpoints.

Shift-Left Testing

Shift-left testing is an approach where testing is performed earlier in the development process, rather than waiting until the end. In the context of APIs, this means incorporating testing and validation into the design and development phases, using techniques like contract testing and mocking.

Smock Testing

In the context of APIs and web development, a smoke test is a basic functionality check used to ensure that APIs are operational and critical functions work as intended. Smoke tests are also essential for checking potential major issues that could hinder the API's development process.

API Testing Method: Smoke Tests
In software development, a smoke test is a quick check to see if an API or program functions. These tests focus on core functionalities, not intricate details, to identify critical problems early on and prevent wasting time on further testing if the system is fundamentally broken.

SOAP

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a protocol for exchanging structured data between systems. It uses XML for message format and relies on other protocols, such as HTTP or SMTP, for message negotiation and transmission.

SOAP Tutorial: What Is SOAP Basics
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is an XML-based protocol used for message exchange over the web. This guide is suitable for beginners.

SSE

SSE (Server-Sent Events) is a technology that allows a server to send data to a client in real-time, using a long-lived HTTP connection. It is often used in APIs for scenarios like live updates or streaming data.

What is Server-Sent Events (SSE)
In the ever-evolving landscape of web technologies, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. One such technology that has been gaining attention in recent years is Server-Sent Events, often abbreviated as SSE.

Stateful

Stateful refers to a system or API that maintains and relies on the state of previous interactions or transactions. In a stateful API, the server keeps track of the client's state and uses it to inform subsequent requests or responses.

All Differences Between Stateless VS Stateful API
Although sounding similar stateless and stateful APIs have very little in common. With each having niches in the web development industry, find out all their differences and what kind of conditions they excel in!

Stateless

Stateless refers to a system or API that does not maintain or rely on the state of previous interactions or transactions. In a stateless API, each request is treated as an independent transaction, and the server does not keep track of the client's state between requests.

All Differences Between Stateless VS Stateful API
Although sounding similar stateless and stateful APIs have very little in common. With each having niches in the web development industry, find out all their differences and what kind of conditions they excel in!

Status Codes

Status codes are three-digit numbers returned in an API response that indicate the result of the request. They provide a standardized way to communicate the success, failure, or other conditions of the API call. Common status codes include 200 (OK), 201 (Created), 400 (Bad Request), and 500 (Internal Server Error).

Guide: What are API Response Codes and How to Utilize Them?
API response codes are standardized indicators of request outcomes. They convey success, errors, or further actions needed. Crucial for communication between clients and servers, they aid in error handling and troubleshooting, enhancing user experience, ensuring robust and reliable API interactions.

Swagger

Swagger is a set of open-source tools for designing, building, documenting, and consuming RESTful APIs. It includes the OpenAPI specification, a framework for generating interactive API documentation, and a range of tools for testing and debugging APIs.

Swagger: Everything You Need to Know
Swagger is an open-source API design and documentation tool that helps developers design, build, document, and test RESTful APIs faster and more easily.

Unirest

Unirest is a set of lightweight HTTP client libraries available for multiple languages, including Java, Node.js, .NET, Python, and more. It provides a consistent and simple interface for making API requests and handling responses.

GitHub - Kong/unirest-java: Unirest in Java: Simplified, lightweight HTTP client library.
Unirest in Java: Simplified, lightweight HTTP client library. - Kong/unirest-java

URI

URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is a string of characters that identifies a resource. It can be a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), which specifies the location of a resource, or a URN (Uniform Resource Name), which provides a unique name for a resource without specifying its location.

API URI and API URL: What’s the Difference?
API URIs and API URLs are two interchangeable phrases in the web service industry, despite the very slight technical differences, many see the two terms as one - even their basic structures consist of all the same components.

URL

URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a type of URI that specifies the location of a resource on the internet. In the context of APIs, URLs are used to identify and access specific API endpoints or resources.

API URI and API URL: What’s the Difference?
API URIs and API URLs are two interchangeable phrases in the web service industry, despite the very slight technical differences, many see the two terms as one - even their basic structures consist of all the same components.

User Agent

A user agent is a string that identifies the client application or device that is making a request to an API. It is typically included in the User-Agent header of the request and can be used by the API server for analytics, compatibility checks, or other purposes.

Variable

A variable in the context of APIs refers to a value that can change or be substituted in API requests or responses. Examples include path parameters, query parameters, and environment variables.

Environment Variables/Global Variables/Local Variables | Apidog
Variables are used to store information to be referenced in different places. Different API (request parameters, scripts, etc.) can refer to the same variable, and updating the value of the variable updates all the corresponding values that refer to that variable. Using variables can improve product…

Webhook

A webhook is a way for an API to send real-time notifications or data to a client application. Instead of the client polling the API for updates, the API sends HTTP POST requests to a URL provided by the client whenever there are changes or events.

Webhooks vs API: Exploring the Differences
Webhooks and APIs differ in their communication models, with APIs relying on request-response interactions for bidirectional data flow, while webhooks operate in an event-driven manner, providing real-time updates with unidirectional data flow triggered by specific events.

WebSocket

WebSocket is a protocol that enables full-duplex communication between a client and a server over a single, long-lived connection. It is often used in APIs for scenarios that require real-time, bidirectional communication, such as chat applications or collaborative tools.

What is WebSocket and How It Works
This article will explore what WebSocket is and how it works, including the relationship between WebSocket and HTTP.

Wget

Wget is a command-line utility for retrieving files using HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP protocols. It can be used for downloading files from APIs or for making simple API requests.

WSDL

WSDL (Web Services Description Language) is an XML-based language for describing web services, including their endpoints, operations, and message formats. It is often used in conjunction with SOAP-based APIs to provide a machine-readable description of the API.

What is a WSDL File? (A Comprehensive Guide)
WSDL files describes the functionality and details of SOAP-based web services or APIs.

x-www-form-urlencoded

URL-encoded requests involve encoding data in the URL or request body to ensure that special characters are represented in a format that is safe and easily transmitted over the web. This encoding is commonly used when making HTTP requests, particularly with the application/x-www-form-urlencoded media type.

What is X www form URL-encoded Requests
Unlocking the intricacies of data transmission, we delve into the realm of “X www form URL-encoded Requests.” In this article, we unravel the significance and application of this encoding method, shedding light on its role in secure and efficient data exchange over the web.

XHR

XMLHttpRequest, or XHR for short, is an object that allows web browsers to send and receive HTTP requests and responses asynchronously. This means that you can use XHR to request data from a server, such as JSON, XML, HTML, or plain text, and update a part of your web page without refreshing the whole page. This makes your web application faster, smoother, and more user-friendly.

What is XMLHttpRequest?
Learn what XMLHttpRequest is, how it works, and how you can use it with Apidog, a tool that helps you design, test, and monitor your APIs.

XML

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. It is commonly used for data exchange between APIs and client applications, although JSON has become more popular in recent years.

XML vs JSON: A Comprehensive Comparison of Differences
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) are both data interchange formats, but they have some key differences. Here are the main distinctions between XML and JSON.

YAML

YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a human-readable data serialization format that is commonly used for configuration files and data exchange. It is often used in API specifications, such as OpenAPI, to describe API endpoints, request and response formats, and other details.

Join Apidog's Newsletter

Subscribe to stay updated and receive the latest viewpoints anytime.