Glossary: Unified APIGlossary

A unified API (also sometimes called a universal API) is a single API interface that provides access to multiple APIs, presenting a consistent and standardized way to interact with them. They are essentially “middlemen” that simplify interactions with many different individual APIs. A unified API acts as a single, standardized interface that allows an application to access data and functionality from multiple sources using a single consistent set of methods.

Key features of unified APIs include:

• Aggregation: Combining APIs from multiple providers within a specific software category (e.g., accounting, HR).
• Abstraction: Hiding the complexities of individual APIs and presenting a single point of access with consistent authentication, data formats, and syntax, regardless of the underlying APIs.

Unified APIs offer the following benefits:

• Simplified integration: Developers can connect to numerous software products with less effort and code compared to individual integrations.
• Faster development: Reduced complexity and standardized procedures lead to quicker integration times.
• Improved consistency: Provides a uniform user experience across different platforms and applications.
• Reduced costs: Less development effort translates to lower overall costs.
• Streamlined workflows: Data exchange between various systems becomes simpler and more efficient.

While unified APIs provide the benefits listed above, there are some considerations developers must take into account before using them:

• Unified APIs might not offer the full functionality of individual APIs.
• They may have their own limitations and data models.
• Choosing the right unified API depends on your specific needs and the software category you're interested in.

Example Use Cases for Unified APIs

• A unified API for HR systems might allow access to employee data from different providers like BambooHR and Hibob through a single interface.
• A unified API for payment gateways could offer developers a consistent way to integrate with various payment processors like Stripe and PayPal.