Dictionary term
API
Also called Application Programming Interface
Web/DevBeginner
A defined way for two pieces of software to talk to each other and exchange data or trigger actions.
In plain English
A set of rules that lets one piece of software ask another for data or to do something, without a person in between.
Analogy
Like a telephone line between two apps so they can request things from each other.
Why it matters
Every integration you build in n8n, Make, GHL, or code ultimately calls an API, so it's the backbone of automation.
In practice
Your app calls the Anthropic API to get a reply from Claude.
Related terms
Sources
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