STEM与日常科技·英语30篇（1）

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API：程序间沟通的‘插座’

An API is a set of rules that lets different software applications exchange data and functions.
Think of it like an electrical socket: one side supplies power, the other receives it safely.
When a weather app shows your local forecast, it likely uses a weather service’s API.
APIs define what requests a program can make and what responses it will get back.
Most web APIs send data in JSON format, which is lightweight and easy for machines to parse.
Developers use API keys to authenticate access and prevent unauthorized use.
Public APIs let third-party apps extend services, while private ones protect internal systems.
Poorly designed APIs can cause crashes, slow performance, or security leaks.
Versioning helps update APIs without breaking older programs that depend on them.
Just as sockets standardize electricity, APIs standardize digital communication.