App program interface Wikipedia, the free encyclop. In computer programming, an application programming interface (API) specifies how some software components should interact with each other.
Detailed explanation[edit] API in procedural languages[edit] In most procedural languages, an API specifies a set of functions or routines that accomplish a specific task or are allowed to interact with a specific software component. This specification is presented in a human readable format in paper books, or in electronic formats like ebooks or as man pages.
For example, the math API on Unix systems is a specification on how to use the mathematical functions included in the math library.