Wiki
Definition
According to Wikipedia, "In computer programming, an application programming interface (API) is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software and applications. An API expresses a software component in terms of its operations, inputs, outputs, and underlying types, defining functionalities that are independent of their respective implementations, which allows definitions and implementations to vary without compromising the interface. A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the building blocks, which are then put together by the programmer. An API may be for a web-based system, operating system, or database system, and it provides facilities to develop applications for that system using a given programming language." As examples in EOSDIS, NASA's Common Metadata Repository (CMR) and Global Imagery Services (GIBS) provide an APIs to support client developers.
Source
NESDIS Data Management Lexicon and Related Terms
Category