API (application programming interface)

How it works

A system that offers an API publishes endpoints — addresses that accept requests — and describes what each request must contain and what it returns. Most modern web APIs use HTTP and exchange data in JSON. Access is protected with keys or tokens, and providers often limit how many requests can be made per minute.

Why it matters for a business

• Integrations between your website, CRM, accounting, payment and delivery systems depend on APIs. See API integrations.
• Choosing software: a product with a good API can be connected to the rest of your systems; one without an API becomes an island that people fill by hand.
• Vendor independence: an API that lets you export your data makes it easier to change systems later.

What to check before relying on an API

• Documentation: complete, current, with examples.
• Test environment: a sandbox where integrations can be tested safely.
• Coverage: does it expose the data and actions you need, or only part of them?
• Limits: request rates, data volumes.
• Notifications: does it support webhooks for events, or must you poll for changes?
• Stability: how changes and versions are announced.

In Azerbaijan

Many international SaaS products have mature APIs. Local systems — banks, payment providers, delivery companies, some accounting setups — vary: some offer well-documented APIs, others require agreements or provide limited access. Check before estimating an integration.