7 minute lesson No code required

What is an API?

Software asking other software for something—through a defined, dependable process. You already understand the idea. Let's make it click.

Start the walkthrough ↓Your progress stays in this visit
YOU USECloud Grindcoffee subscription
request →API← response
IT TALKS TOStripepayment service
01 · THE IDEA

Picture a waiter, not a wall of code.

At a restaurant, you don't walk into the kitchen. You ask through a defined go-between.

☕YOU“One coffee, please.”
ORDER→
◆THE WAITERThe API

Carries a valid request. Brings the result back.

REQUEST→
▦THE KITCHENAnother service
SO WHAT?

An API is a defined go-between. It tells software what it can ask for and how to ask.

02 · THE FLOW

One side asks. The other answers.

Every API conversation has the same simple rhythm.

POST/paymentsREQUEST
{
  "amount": 1800,
  "currency": "usd",
  "description": "Cloud Grind subscription"
}
Stripe does the work↓
200OKRESPONSE
{ "status": "succeeded" }

The app and Stripe don't need to see inside each other. They only need to agree on the request.

03 · INTERACTIVE LAB

Send a payment request.

You're Cloud Grind. Enter a test card, then watch the API conversation happen.

CLOUD GRINDMonthly coffee subscription
$18

Simulation only. Never enter a real card number.

API MONITORREADY
↗

Your request will appear here.

04 · QUICK CHECK
Question 1 of 50 correct

Cloud Grind sent a payment request to Stripe. What did the API do?

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