What is an eCommerce API?
An eCommerce API is a set of codes that build an interface that help different applications in e-commerce to communicate and share data fast. When developers build applications that offer better solutions to the e-commerce shopping experience, the API is responsible for integrating such solutions into its system.
The APIs are commonly built using REST, SOAP, and GraphQL architectures. In either case, the developer uses an API key to access, create and make calls to API. Calls are made on a selected integrated development environment (IDE) supported by the API console. The IDE comprises source code, building tools, and debugging tools.
Codes used to instruct the API are built using programming languages. Popular languages include JavaScript, Java, Python, Ruby, Nodejs, C, and C++, among many others. The choice depends on the developer’s familiarity with the language and whether the API supports it.
The API simply communicates with the different systems: a user device and the platform server handshake. The user requests the application on their device.
The API receives the request and prompts the server to process the request. The server returns the response with a status code for success or error. The API communicates the result to the client device in an understandable way indicating success or failure to access data.
Users of ecommerce APIs
Developers use the APIs to create applications that offer solutions for the improved shopping experience. Developers can also choose to monetize their products and earn a living.
E-commerce website uses the APIs to automate functions, thereby increasing functionalities and improving customer experience.
Consumers use the APIs to search products, make orders, make payments and track their orders.
Retailers use the APIs to update their stock database, market their products, and get consumer feedback.
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