Many applications in use today are a composite of other software. This is true of an application, be it web-based, mobile, or on a desktop where the functionality of one is taken and used to build on. Think of an application that locates nearby restaurants –
this may utilize an already existing map service as its basis. Or a game application that enables players to invite other players to chat and post high scores on social media, all within the game environment. How an application interacts with another is through an Application Program Interface (API).

Typically, APIs consist of methods and tools that are developed by the software author and which can provide services and functionality to other application developers without having to ‘reinvent the wheel’. Existing APIs provide a huge range of
functionality that can be integrated into an application by following the rules of the relevant API. One of the benefits of using APIs is access to existing and proven services that can help speed up development and help standardization.

This unit aims to introduce students to the nature of APIs by developing a proof-of-concept application that utilizes existing APIs for common tasks, such as communication, displaying interactive visuals, audio playback, and handling a range of
user inputs. Among the topics included in this unit are identifying what an API is and the need for APIs; types of APIs; application design and development utilizing relevant APIs in a suitable development environment; testing of the application; and a critical review of the APIs used.

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to identify and select relevant APIs to use in an application from a given scenario. They will also be able to test and document the results against the initial design requirement. As a result, students will develop skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining employment and developing academic competence.