API (Application Programming Interface)

APIs are everywhere in vibe-coded applications. Almost every feature you build connects to an API — understanding them helps you describe what you want to AI.

APIs in Plain English

Think of an API like a restaurant menu:

• The menu lists what's available (API documentation)
• Your order is the request (API call)
• The kitchen processes it (the server)
• Your food is the response (data returned)

You don't need to know how the kitchen works — you just need to order correctly.

Common APIs Vibe Coders Use

How API Calls Work

1. Your app sends a request — "Create a new customer with this email"
2. The API processes it — Validates data, performs the action
3. The API sends a response — "Customer created, here's their ID"
4. Your app uses the response — Shows confirmation to the user

APIs and AI

When you tell AI to "integrate Stripe payments" or "add email notifications," it's writing API integration code. The better you understand what APIs do, the better you can guide AI to use them correctly.