what is an API?

[jhonovich 0]

I often get asked the question of what is an api and how do i use one?

 

I decided to write up a tutorial on some of the gotchas and key challenges in using APIs: http://ipvideomarket.info/review/show/20

 

 

My key points include:

Lesson #1: No such thing as 'an' API

Lesson #2: Not all Functions have an API

Lesson #3: Having an API does not mean it will work with your system

Lesson #4: Doing the Integration Takes Time

Lesson #5: API Changes can Break You

Lesson #6: Your Stuck with what the API does

 

 

Any idea for other valuable lessons that should be shared?

 

Best,

 

John

[rory 0]

Are you talking about Software API's?

[jhonovich 0]

Yes. What type of APIs are you thinking of besides software APIs?

[rory 0]

Thats all I could think of, but in your link you mentioned Physical security.

Only software developers should be concerned.

 

An API gives us access to source code provided by the creator of the API, the most common being the Windows API. A single API can have various functions, for examples: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_API

 

Declare Function RegCreateKey Lib "advapi32.dll" Alias "RegCreateKeyA" (ByVal hKey As Long, ByVal lpSubKey As String, ...
Declare Function RegCloseKey Lib "advapi32.dll" (ByVal hKey As Long) As Long

[jhonovich 0]

Well, I mention physical security because APIs will be used to support physical security goals.

 

While I agree that software developers will be the only individuals directly using the APIs, a lot of people are affected by the use of APIs.

 

Security managers are affected by how well the integration using APIs work.

 

Sales people are affected by what type of integrations they can sell.

 

System engineers are affected by what type of designs they can recommend.

[rory 0]

True .. yes they do limit us though short of them giving us their code, we're stuck with that .. as well as ActiveX controls. Developers just have to get more creative is all, by creating alot of their own procedures, as most already do

 

BTW, Test your XP Boot time:

http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?pid=245244#p245244