Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and microservices both have a different role in software development. Since there is an overlap between the two, it is confusing to understand the differences. In this blog post, we will define API and microservice and explain the similarities and differences. What is an API? An API, or Application …
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Dark Sky vs OpenWeatherMap: Two Weather API Services Compared
In this post, we're going to review two popular weather service APIs: Dark Sky vs OpenWeatherMap. For each API, we're going to look at: API Endpoints API Stats Pricing Unique Features Make sure to read this entire API showdown until the very end. That way, you can ensure that you make the right decision when choosing a weather …
API vs GUI (What are the Differences?)
API vs. GUI Application Programming Interface (API) and Graphical User Interface (GUI) are two phrases that are common in the realm of technology and software development. And since the two terms help facilitate interactions between users and computer applications, they can somehow confuse developers who are green in software development. In this …
Internal vs External APIs
Technological advancement has continued to transform the internet and how businesses utilize the internet. REST-based APIs have taken the place of SOAP Web services. REST APIs operate on HTTP that are lighter and easier to understand. That’s probably the reason why it has become a preferred method for developing enterprise APIs. It’s important …
Library vs. Framework (What are the Differences?)
Library vs. Framework In the world of software and app development, there are a vast array of words and phrases that are often confusing. For example, “Library” and “framework” are two terms that are commonly used interchangeably by developers. And although they are related and help perform various tasks during the app development process, they …
What’s the Difference between WCF vs Web API?
In the fast-paced web development environment, there exist several frameworks and technologies that allow programmers to create HTTP services such as WCF and Web API. However, deciding which platform to utilize in your project can be daunting, considering that many of them often overlap in terms of approach and functionality. In this write-up, we …
What’s the Difference between PUT vs PATCH?
PUT vs PATCH When learning web development and HTTP specification, it is not unlikely to find yourself getting confused about the type of verb to use, and when to use it. With most applications on the internet being CRUD (create, read/retrieve, updates, delete), developers must learn how to match HTTP verbs to these actions. Typically, the verbs …
REST API vs Web API (vs SOAP API) [What’s the Difference?]
REST API vs Web API In the world of web development, there are several confusing words that we often hear and let them pass because we can’t wrap our heads around them. They include Web API, REST API, and SOAP API, among others. If you have been finding these words confusing, read through to understand what they mean, how they relate, and their …
API Marketplace vs API Gateway (What’s the Difference?)
With API marketplaces, API gateways, API management platforms, API directories — and more — it can be hard to keep track of all the API tools and technology available for developers today. This article examines two common API-related tools, an API marketplace, and an API gateway, and explains the differences. What is an API Marketplace? You are …
Application vs. Program (What’s the Difference?)
Application vs. Program In the ever-evolving world of technology, we often have to familiarize ourselves with various terms that come up every single day. And while most of the words come with sharp differences, at times, we come across terms that are considered to mean the same thing even though they are totally different. A perfect example …
LAMP vs MEAN: What is the right stack for you?
LAMP vs MEAN With many organizations around the world intensely depending on programming for their everyday undertaking, the need for big business level applications, sites, and servers has become apparent. When developing an app from scratch, utilizing consistent, scalable, and standardized software is imperative. While web stacks have become a …
API vs SDK – What’s the Difference? (with Examples)
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDKs) both have different roles in the software development process. Since there is a lot of overlap between the two, it can be confusing to understand the difference. Knowing how an API and SDK differ and function can help you decide which one you will need for your …
API vs Web Service: What’s the Difference?
API vs Web Service In August of 1991, the World Wide Web was born. It was nothing like it is today — in fact, it was slow and quite bare, with hardly any websites online. If you had your own website, you were one of the few out there! It was even a world before Google. Google didn’t exist until 1998 and most people used Yahoo! to search the …
SOAP vs REST (vs JSON)
More devices than ever communicate effortlessly with each other. JSON, SOAP, and REST are the primary web service languages that tie all of these different machines together in a cohesive whole. When a programmer wants to "get answers" from a third-party service, she'll tap into one of these three heavyweight acronyms to access their APIs. It's …