All apps are designed to operate as unique entities on a device. However, apps often have an overlap in the information they need to access and the systems they need to engage to allow the app to function.
This is where API comes in. API is the abbreviation for application programming interfaces. It is the way or the set of rules or guidelines that allow information to be exchanged or shared between applications on a system. All computer software and programs use APIs and require an API developer to design, test and program those rules to allow the communication or exchange of information.
What API Developers Do
An API developer is a professional who is able to create code that allows some information, but not all information to be shared between the apps. Think of the app as a secure, isolated entity on a device. The developer will tell that app what information is safe to provide to another app and what will remain as secure and isolated.
In that way, an app that allows you to find local hotels, restaurants or specific businesses can have an API that allows this information to be shared from larger apps or programs such as Google maps. This saves the search app from having to contain all the code to run a full mapping system.
The same is true for integrating with social media. An API developer can work with a business to develop an app that allows users to connect to a business through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or LinkedIn. Not only does this increase the customer base for the business, but it is also good for the social media platform.
Finding the idea developer means understanding his or her experience in working with API programming. This will always be a critical factor in this highly complex area where precision in a programming language is essential.