[Crawl-Date: 2026-04-19]
[Source: DataJelly Visibility Layer]
[URL: https://griffinitgroup.com/it-glossary/api]
---
title: What Is an API? | Application Programming Interface
description: A set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define how software components should intera...
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og_title: What Is an API? | Application Programming Interface
og_description: A set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define how software components should intera...
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# What Is an API? | Application Programming Interface
> A set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define how software components should intera...

---

Development

Intermediate
## What Is an API? | Application Programming Interface
What Is an API? API (Application Programming Interface) a set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define how software components should interact, enabling integration between systems.

## Why This Matters for Your Business
APIs power the integrations that connect your CRM, accounting software, email platform, and every other tool your business relies on. Understanding APIs helps you evaluate new software purchases and avoid vendor lock-in by ensuring your systems can talk to each other.

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