When a company sets up an API, it essentially creates a gateway that allows other developers to access its data, services, or functionality, enabling them to build applications, services, or integrations that interact with the company's system without having to build everything from scratch. This process involves several key steps:
- Data exposure: The company exposes specific data, such as customer information, product catalogs, or transaction history, to be accessed and used by other developers. This data can be in the form of structured or unstructured data, and can include sensitive information such as financial data or personal identifiable information (PII).