What is the difference between an API and an SDK?

An API is a set of rules for communication over a network. An SDK (Software Development Kit) is a downloadable package of code (like a library) that makes it easier to use a specific API. For example, Stripe provides an API, but they also provide a Node.js SDK to make calling that API easier.

Is JSON the only format APIs use?

No. While JSON is the undisputed king of modern web APIs, some enterprise systems still use XML (Extensible Markup Language). Other specialized systems use Protobuf (Protocol Buffers) for ultra-fast, binary communication.

Why do we need an API? Why not just connect the React app directly to the database?

Connecting a frontend directly to a database is a catastrophic security risk. Your database credentials would be exposed in the browser's source code, allowing anyone to delete all your data. The API acts as the secure middleman.

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Introduction to APIs

Learn the foundational concepts of Application Programming Interfaces. Discover the Client-Server architecture, the power of Language Agnosticism, and why JSON won the format war.

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