API vs Web Services - Backend Interview Question

API (Application Programming Interface) and Web Services are both crucial components in a backend system, but they serve different purposes.

API

An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows one software application to communicate with another. It defines the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information. APIs can be used within a single application or between different applications.

Web Services

Web services are a type of API that are accessed over a network, typically using HTTP. They are used for communication between different applications or systems over the internet. Web services use standard protocols such as SOAP, REST, or JSON-RPC for communication.

Differences

1. API is a broader term that encompasses various types of interfaces, including web services.
2. Web services specifically refer to APIs that use standard web protocols for communication.
3. Web services are accessible over the network, while APIs can be used within an application.
4. Different types of web services include SOAP, REST, and JSON-RPC, while APIs can have various design patterns.

Overall, while API is a more general term, web services are a specific type of API used for communication over the web.