API
API (English: application programming interface) is a term from software development. According to the German translation, it means an interface for application programming—a programming interface. This type of "program part" provides software developers and programmers with important information and data about software (for example, an operating system) or an application. Based on this, appropriate programs can be developed and written.
An example that better describes APIs is the IOS operating system, which is used by Apple for smartphones and tablets. In order for programmers to write apps for the operating system, for example, they need information about commands, functions, and protocols of IOS. This information is provided by Apple's API for the operating system.
Web API as a special form of the programming interface
In addition to the regular application programming interface, which provides the aforementioned information in paper or file form, there is the so-called Web API. This describes an interface that enables the exchange and processing of third-party content. This Web API can be well explained using Google's System Maps: Many webmasters use Google's mapping program to provide their visitors with directions within their own offering, for example. For this purpose, website visitors do not need to access Google's service to obtain the information but remain on the operator's website. This is made possible by the so-called Google Maps Image API, which provides programmers with an interface to the mapping service. Similarly, the integration of videos from the YouTube platform works.
Web APIs are divided into two forms: the authorization API, where users allow a program to tweet on their behalf, for example, and the authentication API, where users authenticate themselves on a new website via an existing account – for example, through Facebook.
Advantages of well-documented programming interfaces
APIs, also well-documented and comprehensible application programming interfaces, offer companies a promising opportunity to enhance their systems or associated hardware and expand their offers. If the information and data are accessible and well-presented, software developers and companies can program additional software. This contributes to a diverse range of offerings around software or hardware, which in turn is positively received by users and consumers. However, companies' APIs cannot always be used without fees or strict conditions. At this point, the company Apple can be mentioned as an example again: Although the corporation provides the interface for the iOS operating system free of charge (via the Xcode development environment), it is only for Mac computers. Furthermore, they require programmers to sign a non-disclosure agreement and pay a membership fee. For many programmers, this constitutes a barrier.
API-first approach of Shopware
Shopware also uses the advantage of APIs in its version Shopware 6 in the so-called API-First approach. With this innovation, all shop functions can be controlled with an interface. Moreover, it is possible to connect inventory management, PIM, or additional sales channels more easily and quickly at various points and integrate them into the shop system during shop creation. Everything can be summarized through a single software.
Forms of APIs in the Shopware application:
Admin-API: This allows the online shop to be managed. Settings and functions in the admin area can be configured through it.
Sync-API: It is the admin API and also includes its functions. Additionally, it is possible to import and export larger amounts of data.
Sales-Channel-API: This allows all storefront functions to be used. This means that you can connect any shop frontend. Communication with social media, such as Facebook or Instagram, is also possible.
Overall, this new application of APIs allows shop operators to work much more flexibly and intuitively with the Shopware software and to manage data centrally.