Chapter 2: APIs as Digital Connectors
APIs offer the ability to access information exposed by any system directly using a simple request-response mechanism without the need for a user interface (UI). As they allow you to connect to a system, in a way similar to the plug and play model, they can be seen as digital connectors.
The Connector pattern is used in software engineering to enable network connectivity between communication endpoints, such as the client and the server. It is used in conjunction with the Acceptor pattern to enable network devices to evolve independently of the mechanisms that passively establish connections used by the services:
Figure 2.1 – A simplistic view of communication between machines using the Connector-Acceptor pattern
APIs are the modern world manifestation of the foundational blocks for these frontline connectivity touchpoints. Hence, it is important to treat APIs as digital assets of enterprise innovation,...
