Java API's.
APIs are important software components bundled with the JDK. APIs in Java include classes, interfaces, and user Interfaces. They enable developers to integrate various applications and websites and offer real-time information.
The following image depicts the fundamental components of the Java API.
Now that we know the basics of the Java API and its components, let’s explore who uses them.
Three types of developers use Java APIs based on their job or project :-
- Internal Developers.
- Partner Developers.
- Open Developers.
Internal developers use internal APIs for a specific organization. Internal APIs are accessible only by developers within one organization.
Applications that use internal APIs include :-
- B2B
- B2C
- A2A
- B2E
Examples include Gmail, Google Cloud VM, and Instagram.
5.Partner Developers.
Organizations that establish communications develop and use partner APIs. These types of APIs are available to partner developers via API keys.
Applications that use partner APIs include :-
- B2B
- B2C
Examples include Finextra and Microsoft (MS Open API Initiative).
6.Open Developers.
Some leading companies provide access to their APIs to developers in the open-source format. These businesses provide access to APIs via a key so that the company can ensure that the API is not used illegally.
The application type that uses internal APIs is :-
- B2C
Examples include Twitter and Telnyx.
The next section explores the importance of Java APIs.
7.The Need for Java APIs.
Java developers use APIs to :-
8.Streamline Operating Procedures.
9.Improve Business Techniques.
10.Create Powerful Applications.
11.Types of Java API's.
There are four types of APIs in Java :-
1.Public.
2.Private.
3.Partner.
4.Composite.
Public (or open) APIs are Java APIs that come with the JDK. They do not have strict restrictions about how developers use them.
13.Private.
Composite APIs are microservices, and developers build them by combining several service APIs.
Now that we’ve covered the types of Java APIs, let’s discuss the categorization of Java APIs based on the services that different varieties of APIs in Java provide.
16.Data and API Services.
Data and API services are another way to categorize Java APIs other than public, private, partner, and composite. APIs are also classified based on their data-manipulation capabilities and the variety of services they offer, including :-
1.Internal API services.
2.External API services.
3.CRUD.
4.User interface services.
17.Internal API Services.
User interface service APIs are open-source APIs that allow developers to build user interfaces for mobile devices, computers, and other electronics.
Next, let’s examine the rules and protocols that Java APIs follow.
21.API Service Protocols.
The rules and protocols guide the functionality of the Java API. Different APIs have different service protocols. Let’s consider an example of RESTful API service protocol as an example.
For a typical RESTful API, developers must follow these rules :-
1.Stateless.
2.Uniform interface.
3.Client-server.
4.Cache.
5.Layered.
22.Stateless.
A RESTful API follows client-server architecture so it must be stateless.
23.Uniform Interface.
The entities in a RESTful API are the server and clients. Applications that run on a global scale need a uniform client and server interface through the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) allocate the required resources.
24.Client-Server.
The client-server model used in the RESTful API should be fault-tolerant. Both the client and server are expected to operate independently. The changes made at the client end should not affect the server end and vice versa.
25.Cache.
Including a cache memory allows the application to record intermediate responses and run faster in real-time. A RESTful API also includes the cache memory.
26.Layered.
A RESTful API is built using layers. Layers in the API are loosely coupled, or independent, from each other. Each layer contributes to a different level of hierarchy and also supports encapsulation.
Next we’ll go over the most frequently used Java APIs.
27.The Most Commonly Used Java APIs.
API | Acronym |
RESTful API | none |
Web API | none |
Facebook.4j | none |
Twitter.4j | none |
JavaHelp | none |
Java Advanced Imaging | JAI |
Java Data Objects | JDO |
Java Media Frameworks | JMF |
Java Persistence API | JPA |
Java Speech API | JSAPI |
Java 3D | J3D |
Java USB for Windows | none |
Android API | |
Association of the Standardization of Embedded Platforms | ESR Consortium |
Java Naming and Directory Interface | JNDI |
Next, let’s examine the significant advantages of APIs in Java.
28.The Advantages of API's.
Some of the main advantages of using Java APIs include :-
APIs in Java enable a wide range of SQL support services in user applications through a component-based interface.
0 Comments