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When you are building any kind of digital solution, it is important to integrate all your platforms to deliver a smooth user experience. You need APIs that allow two instances of software to communicate and share information. In this article, we will talk about the meaning of API and how to leverage the full potential of No Code API.
What is API?
API stands for ‘Application Programming Interface’. In simple language, it is a code that allows software or computers to communicate and collect information.
Whether you are a programmer or a non-tech person, having an understanding of what is API will take you a long way in your business journey. APIs save your time by solving common problems that developers face on their regular days without having to go deeper into them.
It doesn’t mean that programmers can’t solve these problems but it is just relatively easy and convenient to use APIs instead[1].
Note: There are several types of APIs but the most popular type is REST API. This particular type is generally implied when someone is talking about web-based APIs.
Example of an API
Let’s look at an example to understand what is an API and how does it help.[2]
You want to visit Bali in January 2022. You visit a website that sells flight tickets. You enter your traveling information like destination and travel date.
After you click on search, they would show you different flights’ timings and rates. Now, what happens in these fractions of seconds after you hit search?
The website uses APIs to connect with different flight companies and get the flight information that aligns with your search. Hence, an API is useful for automating communication between two apps.
What is different about No Code API?
No code API is (as the name suggests) the APIs that you can integrate and automate without writing any code. It is simple, easy, and fast. At CodeorNoCode, we always like to talk about the latest developments in the No Code industry. APIs simplify the functions of a program.
Hence, it is safe to assume that it is popular amongst No Code developers. Here is the list of the top apps that will help you build No Code APIs.
NoCodeAPI
Their name says it all. They have a library of packages that include 50 + apps including Google Sheet, Airtable, Google Analytics, Twitter, and Telegram. They have tutorials to guide you through each step of integrating the API.
If you can’t find what you are looking for, you can always request an API. The team will analyze your request and act accordingly.
Stackprint
It is a simple tool that lets you build and deploy API. The best part about this tool is that it allows you to create 1 API with 10,000 requests per month for free. You can always give it a try to experiment with something new in your project.
Apicur.io
It is a web-based API design suite built to support design-first REST API development. It has collaborative functionalities which allow multiple users to work together. Also, the ability of visual development helps a novice No Code developer enter the API world easily.
Sheetsu
Some tools are more versatile, while some tools specialize in one product. Sheetsu is the second type of tool. It specializes in Google Sheets APIs.
You want to create, delete, transform, download or tweak a Google Sheet, Sheetsu is here to help. Their free plan includes 200 requests a month and 20 rows/worksheet. It is enough to see the potential behind the platform.
Benefits of APIs
Implementing an API might not be as easy as it sounds but there are a lot of benefits attached to it. Here are some reasons why you need to start integrating APIs in your product.
Boosts customer experience – API makes your app more dynamic and easier to use. Since data is generated and delivered at a faster pace, it results in an enhanced user experience of your product. Customers don’t know what’s happening in the background but they like it when they see faster results.
Fosters innovation – When your developers are not busy solving a pre-existing problem, they can focus on innovation. As public API libraries have made them accessible for everyone, your developers can now save time and think of more innovative solutions that can be added to your product.
Makes analytics easy – APIs simplify collecting and organizing data. Hence, it makes it easier to get intelligent analytics of your data.
With more information and data on your hand, you can get creative and make data-driven decisions to boost the growth of your product. Advanced intelligent analytics will give you insights for improving the product.
Final Thoughts
When you combine the expertise of a No Code developer with the potential of APIs, it works as a growth engine. The No Code industry has seen immense growth in the last few years. It will surely grow from now on as well, read about our predictions of the future of No Code.
So many great tools are coming into the market each day and every one of them has unique abilities. If you are still confused on whether to choose code or No Code for your next project, take our quiz!