concept#Data#Analytics#API#Data Exchange#Web Services

Application Programming Interface (API)

An Application Programming Interface (API) enables interaction between software components.

APIs are essential for modern software development as they enable different applications to communicate with each other.

Maturity

Established

Cognitive loadMedium

Classification

ComplexityMedium
Impact areaTechnical
Decision typeArchitectural
Organizational maturityAdvanced

Technical context

Integrations

DatabasesCloud ServicesThird-party Services

Principles & goals

Principles

Clarity of InterfaceSimple AuthenticationError Tolerance

Value stream stage

Build

Organizational level

Enterprise, Domain, Team

Use cases & scenarios

Use cases

Scenarios

Compromises

Risks

Integration May Fail
Authentication Difficulties
Lack of Documentation

Best practices

Use clear endpoint names
Implement API versioning
Introduce good error handling

I/O & resources

Inputs

API Endpoint
Authentication Token
Data Input Parameters

Outputs

Data Response
Processed Events
User Interface

Resources

Description

APIs are essential for modern software development as they enable different applications to communicate with each other. They provide standardized methods for data transfer, authentication, and interaction. APIs are implemented in many technologies, including web services, mobile applications, and more.

✔Benefits

Increased Flexibility
Reusable Components
Faster Development

✖Limitations

Dependency on External Services
Security Risks During Data Transmission
Potential Latency Issues

Trade-offs

Metrics

Response Time
Time taken by the API to respond to a request.
Throughput
Number of requests the API processes per second.
Error Rate
Proportion of failed API requests.

Examples & implementations

Integration with Payment Providers

An example of how APIs are used to integrate payments between e-commerce platforms and payment providers.

Social Media APIs

APIs that allow developers to access and integrate social media functionalities into their applications.

Data Analysis Tools

Tools that utilize APIs to analyze and visualize data from various sources.

Implementation steps

Document API design

Develop according to specifications

Conduct tests

⚠️ Technical debt & bottlenecks

Technical debt

Outdated authentication methods
Insufficient test coverage
Difficulties in maintenance

Known bottlenecks

API LimitationsData IntegrityTransaction Safety

Misuse examples

Writing data directly into the API
Not updating API documentation
Missing authentication for sensitive data

Typical traps

Too many requests in a short time
Insufficient error logging
Ignoring API usage policies

Required skills

Knowledge of web technologiesExperience in software developmentFamiliarity with RESTful APIs

Architectural drivers

Consistency in CommunicationAdaptability to New TechnologiesPerformance Optimization

Constraints

• Technological Dependencies
• Regulatory Requirements
• Performance Requirements