Zip Code APIs
Zip Code APIs
About zip codes
Zip codes are a type of postal code used in the United States, created in the 1960s to make mail delivery faster and more efficient.
A standard zip code is a five-digit number, and today the US Postal Service uses a "ZIP+4" code, consisting of the zip code and an additional four-digit number for even more accuracy.
What is a zip code API?
Zip codes are very important for any website, app, or program that needs to look up or verify mailing addresses.
An API is a shortcut developers can use to connect their code to applications with existing zip code functionality.
How does a zip code API work?
Most zip code APIs work by gathering a specific zip code from an external program, either manually or via a map or other user interface, and performing some kind of operation on them. The results of the operation are then returned to the originating program, where they can be accessed by the end-user.
Who are zip code APIs for exactly?
Developers of software that delivers localized information to users can benefit from an API that delivers information about or based on zip codes.
Other users might include authors of mapping software, developers of a web-based storefront plugin for WordPress, and anyone else who needs to find information about a specific geographical area in the United States of America.
Why is a free zip code API important?
One important benefit of a free API is the cost.
However, free APIs are also important because they are likely to be written in as transparent a manner as possible. This makes it easy to connect other software to the functionality they provide, and also reduces research time.
What can you expect from zip code APIs?
APIs typically request information from external programs via GET or POST requests. They then return data in a JSON or XML format that can be accessed directly by the requesting program.
Are there examples of the best free zip code APIs?
- RedLine Zip code API (freemium) calculates distances and finds information about zip codes.
- LiveAddress API verifies data about cities, states, and zip codes.
- IP Address Geolocation API looks up IP addresses by zip code.
- US Weather by Zip API (freemium) provides up-to-date information about the weather in a zip code.
- Zippopotam.us is an open-source API with zip code information.
Zip Code API SDKs
All zip code APIs are supported and made available in multiple developer programming languages and SDKs including:
- Node.js
- PHP
- Python
- Ruby
- Objective-C
- Java (Android)
- C# (.NET)
- cURL
Just select your preference from any API endpoints page.
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