API

application program interface

The means by which an application program talks to communications software. Standardized APIs allow application programs to be developed independently of the underlying method of communication. A set of standard software interrupts, calls, and data formats that computer application programs use to initiate contact with other devices For example, network services, mainframe communications programs, or other program-to-program communications. Typically, APIs make it easier for software developers to create the links that an application needs to communicate with the operating system or with the network.