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How does an API call work?

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Quick answer

An API call is how one program asks another for data or an action. Your app sends a request to a specific URL (the endpoint), the server processes it, and sends back a structured response — often JSON — which your app then uses.

Step by step

  1. Your app sends a request to an API endpoint (URL).
  2. The request may include parameters or data.
  3. The server processes it and returns a response.
  4. The response is usually structured data like JSON.

People also ask

How does an API call work?
Your app sends a request to an API's endpoint; the server processes it and returns structured data in response.
What is an API endpoint?
A specific URL that accepts requests for a particular piece of data or action.
What format do APIs usually return?
Most modern web APIs return data as JSON, which apps can easily read and use.

Part of the guide: How the Internet Works →