API
Also called: application programming interface
An API (in full: application programming interface) is a basis on which computer programs can communicate with each other. When a computer program provides an input and a set of conventions, other software can use them to exchange information and instructions with this program.
Many Web sites and Web applications today have an API. These are usually aimed at making information or functionality available to third parties, or allowing other applications to add information. Think of a Web site posting a Google Maps map to compare hotels.
Standards commonly used when communicating via APIs are XML and JSON.
