What is an API

What is an API?

API, or Application Programming Interface, is the intermediary software that allows two other programs to communicate. The data transferred through the API is raw data that needs to be interpreted. You can think of the API as a messenger that sends out calls and receives responses. The separation of the API from its implementation allows programs written in one programming language to use a library written in a different programming language.

Web APIs are interfaces for interactions between a user application on the front end (for example, Swagger UI) and an application on the back-end (for example, ESET PROTECT Cloud). The back end is a remote server that receives requests and sends responses. The API is an architectural approach that aims to provide a program interface for a set of services to different applications that serve different consumer needs.

Security

The API also provides a security layer for the communication between the client and server. It simplifies programming by showing only the objects and actions of the back end program that the user needs to interact with.

ESET Connect APIs use unique temporary tokens that are included in each call to prove the user's identity.

Using the API

The API simplifies programming by exposing only the objects or actions the developer needs to interact with. Implementation of API calls to your local application (for example, Postman or similar program and a custom-made interface) can help you automate interactions with the ESET Connect APIs.