Video 5 [04:33]: What is an API

  1.  Module 5: Introduction and Instructions (Completed)
  2.  Video 1 [03:30]: Module Introduction (Completed)
  3.  Video 2 [03:49]: Vibe Coding Platforms (Completed)
  4.  Video 3 [07:18] and Video 4 [13:30]: Vibe Coding Platforms: Demo (Completed)
  5.  Video 5 [04:33]: What is an API (Completed)
  6.  Discussion Board 5.1: Think & Share💡When Does a Prototype Become a Product? ((Not yet completed))
  7.  Video 6 [13:00]: Building an App with an API: Demo (Completed)
  8.  Self-Study Assignment 5.2: Think & Act 💡Building an AI App with a Free API (Completed)
  9.  Video 7 [02:03]: API vs API Key (Completed)
  10.  Video 8 [05:23]: Google AI Studio: Demo (Completed)
  11.  Video 9 [02:48]: Vibe Coding for Problem Solving: Demo (Completed)
  12.  Reading: From Standalone Prototype to Connected Solution (Completed)
  13.  Video 10 [06:33]: Multi-Step App: Demo (Completed)
  14.  Video 11 [02:02]: Connectors, Tools and Data Sources ((Must view in order to complete this module item))
  15.  Self-Study Quiz 5.2: Think & Apply 💡Workflows, APIs and Business Value ((Must submit the Quiz))
  16.  Video 12 [08:01]: Claude Cowork: Demo ((Must view in order to complete this module item))
  17.  Self-Study Quiz 5.4: Think & Apply💡Selecting the Right Architecture ((Must submit the Quiz))
  18.  Video 13 [03:23]: Final Thoughts ((Must view in order to complete this module item))
  19.  Self-Study Assignment 5.5: Think & Act 💡3 Step Storyboard ((Must view in order to complete this module item))
  20.  Summary and Video Transcripts: Module 5 ⭐ ((Must view in order to complete this module item))
  21.  Professor Ian's Recommendation for Further Learning: Module 5 ((Must view in order to complete this module item))
  22.  Module 5: Q&A Discussion Board ((Not yet completed))
  23.  Module 5: Feedback Survey ((Must submit the Quiz))

In this video, Prof Ian introduces APIs and explains how they enable applications to connect with external services, data sources and functionality without having to build everything from scratch. Using practical examples such as weather data, maps, payments and login systems, he illustrates how APIs act as bridges that allow applications to retrieve information and interact with other digital systems.
How an API works:
User → App Sends Request → API (Bridge / Connector) → External Service (Weather • Maps • Payments • Login) → API Returns Data → App Displays Results → User Receives Information

Downloaded lesson video