API
Application Programming Interface
It's a bridge that allows two applications to communicate with each other. Think of a waiter: you order food (request), the waiter takes the order to the kitchen, and brings you what you asked for (response). The API is the waiter between systems.
How to explain API in a meeting with non-technical people?
Say: 'An API is like a restaurant menu. It shows you what you can order (endpoints), how to order it (format), and what you'll get (response). You don't need to know how the chef cooks, just what you can order.'
Real examples
Client asks why they can't see certain information
“Instead of: 'It's a backend thing.' Better: 'Our current API doesn't expose that data. It's like the menu doesn't have that dish. We need to update the API to include it.'”
Explaining why an integration takes X weeks
“Instead of: 'It's technically complex.' Better: 'Connecting with their API is like learning another restaurant's menu. We need time to understand what they offer and how to order it.'”
Discussing infrastructure costs
“Instead of: 'We need rate limiting.' Better: 'Our API receives too many requests. It's like having an infinite line of customers. We need limits to avoid collapse.'”
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