API-driven development

noun phrase
UK /ˌeɪ.piːˈaɪ ˈdrɪvən dɪˈvɛləpmənt/
US /ˌeɪ.piːˈaɪ ˈdrɪvən dɪˈvɛləpmənt/

A way of building software where different programs talk to each other through special connections called APIs.

The team used API-driven development so their app could easily share data with other services.

SYNONYMS

API-first developmentinterface-based developmentservice-oriented developmentcontract-driven development

RELATED WORDS

APImicroservicesintegrationendpointREST

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A design approach where the API is planned and built before the user interface.

With API-driven development, the backend was ready before the mobile app was designed.

3. A method of connecting separate systems so they can exchange information automatically.

API-driven development let the payment system talk directly to the shopping cart.

4. A software strategy that treats APIs as the main product for other developers to use.

Their API-driven development strategy attracted many third-party developers.