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An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allow one software application to interact with another. It defines the methods and data formats that applications use to request and exchange information. APIs are used to allow different systems, services, or components to communicate with each other.

APIs typically work by defining endpoints (URLs) where one system can send requests, and the system receiving the request processes it and sends a response back. Here's a basic overview of how the process works:

1. Client (Requester): The system (or program) that initiates the request. This could be a user interacting with an app, or a program that needs to fetch data from another service.

2. API Endpoint: An endpoint is a specific URL or URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) on the server that defines where the request should be sent.

3. Request: The client sends an HTTP request to the API endpoint. This can be one of several types:
GET: Retrieve data.
POST: Send data (e.g., create a resource).
PUT/PATCH: Update data.
DELETE: Delete data.

4. Server: The server hosts the API, processes incoming requests, performs the requested action, and sends back a response.

5. Response: After processing the request, the server sends a response back to the client. This could be in various formats, commonly JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) or XML. The response typically includes a status code indicating success (e.g., 200 for OK) or failure (e.g., 404 for not found).

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