# API: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> An API is an interface that allows software systems or components to exchange functions or information through defined rules.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/application-programming-interface.html

# API

An API is an interface that allows software systems or components to exchange functions or information through defined rules

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It makes it easier to integrate services without knowing every detail of their implementation. Using one requires attention to formats, permissions, errors and limits. For example, a website can check availability in another system and present the result to the user.

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Related concepts

- [API-first](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/api-first)
- [Web application](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/technology/web-app.html)
- [Domain name](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/domain.html)