AI Glossary Term
What does “API (Application Programming Interface)” mean?
A structured way for one software system to send requests to and receive responses from another system.
How API (Application Programming Interface) works
Example
A weather app does not run its own forecasting. It sends a request such as a city name to a weather service's API and receives back the forecast in a structured format, which the app then displays. AI services work the same way: you send a prompt and get text back.
Why it matters
APIs are how most developers use AI models without training their own. They also define limits such as rate caps, pricing, and what data is sent to the provider.
Common questions
What is an AI API?
It is an interface that lets your software send input, such as text or an image, to a hosted model and receive its output.
Do I need to code to use an API?
Usually yes, though many no-code tools connect to APIs on your behalf.
Is my data safe when sent through an API?
That depends on the provider's terms. Check how long data is kept, whether it is used for training, and what security measures apply.