What is API (Application Programming Interface)?
Definition
A set of protocols and definitions that let different software systems communicate with each other. REST and GraphQL are the most common API styles used by modern SaaS platforms.
Related Terms
An automated HTTP callback that pushes real-time data from one application to another when a specific event occurs. Webhooks eliminate the need for constant polling and are essential for building responsive integrations.
A formal contract between a service provider and customer that defines measurable performance guarantees such as uptime percentage, response times, and remedies for breaches. Enterprise SaaS buyers typically require 99.9% or higher uptime SLAs.
An architectural style that structures an application as a collection of small, independently deployable services, each responsible for a single business capability. Microservices enable teams to develop, test, and scale features without affecting the entire system.