What is API?

[Risifo]

Um, i've heard the term API been thrown around, but don't have a clue what it means, unless it means like aplication or something and then i'll feel quite dumb. But if you could tell me what it means, and if it's something complex explain how it is used, I would be most greatful.

[quietcoder]

Application Programming Interface

[JMS]

It's a programming interface for something. So you could wrap a programming interface around a piece of software or hardware.

A group of function calls or objects which allow one to interface to that "thing".

So if I had juke box full of music cd's the API would allow me to programatically change platers, songs, eject and maybe change the volume and trac.