API stands for Application Programming Interface. The “I” in API is the key part that explains its purpose. The interface is what the software presents to other humans or programs, allowing them to interact with it.  A good analogy for an interface is a remote control. Imagine you have

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API integration patterns such as REST, RPC, GraphQL, Polling, WebSockets, and WebHooks offer different ways for users and applications to interact with software. Request-response integration involves the client initiating a request and waiting for a response, while event-driven integration patterns are ideal for real-time data. WebHooks provide real-time updates from the server without the need for frequent requests.

API Integration Patterns – The Difference between REST, RPC, GraphQL, Polling, WebSockets and WebHooks

<p>Very clear article and nice analogy with a customer and a waiter in a restaurant.</p>
