programming interface

noun

UK /ˈprəʊ.ɡræm.ɪŋ ˈɪn.tə.feɪs/

US /ˈproʊ.ɡræm.ɪŋ ˈɪn.t̬ɚ.feɪs/

A set of rules that lets one computer program talk to another program.

The app uses a programming interface to get the weather from a website.

SYNONYMS

API application programming interface software interface connection point

RELATED WORDS

code software function protocol developer

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The way a programmer uses a tool or library to build software.

The new library has a simple programming interface that beginners can learn quickly.

3. A boundary where two pieces of software exchange information.

The game sends your score through a programming interface to the leaderboard.

4. A set of commands that let one system control or request data from another.

The robot arm moves when the computer calls its programming interface.