Since APIs allow organizations to open access to their resources while maintaining security and control, they have become a valuable aspect of modern business and personal applications.

Here are some API examples that users often encounter:

Universal logins

A popular API example is the function that enables people to log in to websites by using their Facebook, X, or Google profile login details. This convenient feature allows any website to use an API from one of the more popular services for quick authentication. This capability helps save users the time and hassle of setting up a new profile for every web application or new membership.

Internet of Things (IoT)

These "smart devices" offer added functionality, such as internet-enabled touchscreens and data collection, through APIs. For example, a smart fridge can connect to recipe applications or take and send notes to mobile phones through text message. Internal cameras connect to various applications so that users can see the contents of the refrigerator from anywhere.

Travel booking comparisons

Travel booking sites aggregate thousands of flights, showcasing the cheapest options for every date and destination. APIs enable this service by providing application users access to the latest information about availability from hotels and airlines.

This access is available either through a web browser or the travel booking company's own application. With an autonomous exchange of data and requests, APIs dramatically reduce the time and effort involved in checking for available flights or accommodation.

Navigation apps

Navigation apps use core APIs that display static or interactive maps. These apps also use other APIs and features to provide users with directions, speed limits, points of interest, traffic warnings and more. Users communicate with an API when plotting travel routes or tracking items on the move, such as a delivery vehicle.

Social media

Social media companies use APIs to allow other entities to share and embed content featured on social media apps to their own sites. For example, the Instagram API enables businesses to embed their Instagram grid on their website and for the grid to update automatically as users add new posts.

SaaS applications

APIs are an integral part of the growth in software as a service (SaaS) products. Platforms like CRMs (customer relationship management tools) often include several built-in APIs that let companies integrate with applications they already use, such as messaging, social media and email apps.

This integration drastically reduces time spent switching between applications for sales and marketing tasks. It also helps reduce or prevent data silos that might exist between departments that use different applications.