API
In one sentence
Interfaces that allow software programs to interact with each other. Enterprise systems and AI agents use APIs to access capabilities such as large language models, search, image generation, and publishing.
Chatting with AI in a web browser is designed for humans; calling an API is designed for programs. APIs enable batch processing and integration into your own enterprise systems, billed based on actual usage.
Keep your API keys secure. Never commit them to code repositories or share them with outside parties.
Example
The sales consultant on the official website calls the large language model via an API. For every visitor question, the backend sends the query along with reference materials to the model, then displays the generated response on the web page.
Related terms
- Token
- The basic unit LLMs use to process text. Both model context length and API call costs are calculated in tokens.
- MCP
- An open protocol that connects AI to external tools and data, enabling AI agents to read and write to databases and trigger business systems.
- Tool Calling (Function Calling)
- As an LLM generates a response, it calls external tools as needed—such as search, calculations, database queries, or messaging—and continues working based on the results.
