APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are bridges that enable different software applications to communicate with each other. They act as messengers, taking requests and delivering responses between systems. APIs allow apps to share data and functionalities, enabling developers to build upon existing services. For instance, the OpenWeatherMap API provides weather updates, allowing developers to access current weather data without manually entering information.

APIs offer several benefits, including access to external data sources, saving time and effort by leveraging pre-built functionalities, providing up-to-date information, and being built by experts who ensure reliability and scalability.

Source: https://dev.to/diwakar_verma_381fc6e5e2f/what-is-an-api--3a12