Commonly known as API, an Application Programming Interface is actually an interface implemented by a software program to open itself to another software program. API provides a common ground for them to interact with each other since different software programs use different functions. It is actually implements similar service as User Interface which lets humans and computers interact. On a more simple level, imagine a secretary who lets you interact with the Boss since you are not permitted to do so or you are unable to.
How does API achieve this?
Virtually every software has to rely on other other software and they would need APIs for this purpose. APIs are a set of specifications for object classes, routines, data structures and protocols used to communicate between two software. They are actually a set of standardized requests. The requesting software is called as a consumer and the software which provides the API is the implementer. APIs are needed by operating systems, applications and libraries to let other software access their services since each has different calling conventions and vocabularies.
The difference between a protocol and a API is worth knowing. A protocol also facilitates the communication between different applications. However this is based on a common transport method. API does not involve the transportation of the service request and the response. It just provides a direct library with a simple set of function calls.
It is always best for software providers to integrate an API to it. This would let them easily make future integrations with new software. However Microsoft is always blamed for hiding their APIs.
Finally to make everything explained in here a bit more clearer, I would provide a real world example. Flicker is a photo sharing application and it is integrated to the social networking platform, FaceBook. How? The answer should be simple now; It is definitely through an API.
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