I have read few articles about API. Can't find the reference now.In some of them, they define API as set of tools, routines and protocols which are helping programmer to build a software with use of pre-programmed methods.In others they say the same thing, but they also say that API is only when these methods are communicating with some external systems/services.Which one is right? I just want to know, that if I use library to draw in Java, is that called API because it contains pre-programmed methods or that is just library/component?
Is set of libraries called API only if it talks to a system/server?
java;api
An API stands for Application Programming Interface. It means any interface between the system, library or device and your development.So, no. An API is any programmatic interface, whether its a library with exposed C functions or a webserver with exposed REST verbs or anything in between.