Definition
An API is a set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
In AI Context: - OpenAI API: Access GPT models programmatically - Anthropic API: Access Claude models - Hugging Face API: Access open-source models
- **Key Concepts:**
- Endpoints: URLs where you send requests
- API Keys: Authentication tokens
- Rate Limits: Request restrictions
- Pricing: Often per token or per request
Why APIs Matter: - Build AI into your applications - No need to host models yourself - Pay-per-use pricing - Access to latest models
Examples
Building a chatbot by calling the OpenAI API from your website.
Related Terms
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