Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

In today’s digital landscape, the ability to access and manipulate data from various online platforms is essential for businesses, developers, and researchers alike. Two prevalent techniques for social data collection are Application Programming Interface (API) access and web scraping. While both have their merits, APIs have emerged as a structured and authorized method for data retrieval, providing a seamless way to interact with online platforms. This section explores the concept of APIs, how they work, and their applications, particularly in the context of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs enable the exchange of data between a service and the end user or programmer. They play a crucial role in various functions, such as enabling third-party apps to access platform data, automating tasks, and integrating services.

APIs facilitate several key functions:

• Communication: APIs allow different software systems to exchange data.
• Abstraction: They abstract the underlying complexities of a system, exposing only the necessary parts for interaction.
• Standardization: APIs standardize the way applications interact, ensuring consistency and reliability.

Exhibit 25.3   Universal login permits users to log into websites using their Facebook, Google, or Twitter credentials.

A common example of an API in action is the universal login feature, refer Exhibit 25.3 where users can log into multiple websites using their Facebook, Google, or Twitter credentials. This feature is made possible through APIs, saving users the hassle of creating new profiles for every web application they use.

Social media platforms have harnessed the potential of data sharing by developing their own APIs. These APIs enable third-party developers to access and utilise platform data for various purposes, including analytics, app development, and automation. See the Twitter API and Facebook API for more details.