Different Types of APIs

1. SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) API:
   • Strict rules and advanced security to follow.
   • Example: Weather APIs providing real-time and historical weather data.
2. REST (Representational State Transfer) API:
   • Loose guidelines to follow, allowing developers to make recommendations easily.
   • Example: Google Maps SDKs for web, iOS, Android, and cross-platform development.
3. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) API:
   • Supports various types of data, including text, numbers, images, graphs, and charts.
   • Example: Twitter’s API for retrieving tweets and user information.
4. XML (Extensible Markup Language) API:
   • Supports structured data and is often used for complex data exchange.
   • Example: Sabre’s online travel agency (OTA) API for building customized apps.
5. RPC (Remote Procedure Call) API:
   • Facilitates communication between different processes by allowing one program to execute procedures on another system.
   • Example: Oracle’s Remote Method Invocation API for accessing remote databases.
6. Internal API (Private API):
   • Only accessible within an organization, used for internal communication between different components or services.
   • Example: A company using an internal API to integrate data between different teams and systems.
7. Composite API:
   • Combines different data and service APIs, executing a sequence of tasks synchronously.
   • Example: A web service combining multiple APIs to provide a comprehensive solution.
8. Partner API:
   • Designed for use between businesses, allowing data and services to be shared and integrated.
   • Example: A travel company using a partner API to integrate with a hotel booking system.
9. Open API (Public API):
   • Available for public use, with no restrictions on access.
   • Example: Google Translate API, which provides translation services for a fee.