Types of API

 Different Types of APIs explained

Application Programming Interface offers varied architectural styles, communication protocols, and operating systems to meet unique integration requirements.

Generally, there are 4 types. Also, it is important to note that these are not classification but rather outline of the scope of usage.

Private APIs
A private API is used by a software vendor within his/her own organization. These APIs are generally used within organizations’ private networks. The majority of companies use internal APIs to exchange data with different internal business apps, such as CRM, Enterprise Resource Planning, or Financial systems.

Public APIs
Public APIs are also known as Open APIs. Developers can use this API without being concerned about the organization it belongs to. These are available for free on the internet.

Further, open APIs are crucial components of mobile apps, as well as offering simple integration to important services for many websites.

Partner APIs
When 2 different companies want to share data, they do it through a partner API. Companies provide vendors access to data streams through an API in exchange for additional features or services within their own systems. In fact, it can also be provided to different parties using a contractual agreement.

In short, Partner APIs facilitate B2B activities.

Composite APIs
These types of APIs combine various data and services APIs. This indicates that developers can easily access multiple data or service APIs and access different endpoints in one call.

In addition, composite APIs help in integrating two or more APIs to craft a sequence of similar operations. Also, with composite API one can easily address complex API behaviors.

'Source': Webbbybutter