Software delivery & architecture · Core

Application programming interface

Also called: API

ELI5

A controlled way for software systems to talk to each other.

Used in conversation

“The API lets customers create records from their own systems.”

Definition

A defined interface allowing software systems to communicate or request functions and data.

Here “Application programming interface” means: A defined interface allowing software systems to communicate or request functions and data.

Pitch context

You will see “Application programming interface” in product strategy decks, roadmaps, experiments and architecture reviews when the discussion reaches software delivery & architecture.

Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret software delivery & architecture without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.

Sources & evidence · 2

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.

National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
Scrum Guides — The Scrum Guide — official current versionSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16