You’ve likely encountered APIs, whether in professional settings or casual conversations with tech-savvy friends. Many of the apps we use daily, such as GPS services, SMS, fintech, and online shopping platforms, rely on APIs. This post will explain APIs in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re not a tech expert, and introduce how the eformsign API can benefit your business.
■ What is an API?
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of protocols and tools that allow different software components to communicate. Think of it as a medium that helps various programs, databases, and functions interact.
[Common API Use Cases]
∎ Single Sign-On (SSO): APIs from platforms like Google and Facebook let users log into other websites using their existing credentials, eliminating the need to create new accounts.
∎ Weather Information: Weather APIs provide real-time and historical data, which can be integrated into your applications.
Want more explanation about APIs?
Imagine the process in a restaurant. What is the role of a waiter in a restaurant? The waiter hands the customer a menu, takes the customer’s order, asks the chef to cook the food, and finally delivers the finished food back to the customer. So APIs are like waiters in a restaurant.
Restaurant process:
- The waiter hands you a menu (APIs provide a list of operations).
- ➀You (the customer) order food (make a request).
- ➁ The waiter communicates your order to the chef (API relays the request).
- ➂ The chef prepares the food (processes the request).
- ➁The waiter brings the food to ➀ you, the customer (API delivers the response).
In this analogy, the waiter represents the API, facilitating communication between you (the user) and the chef (another service). In other words, we can say that an API is a medium that helps applications interact with each other.
■ How to integrate with the eformsign API
eformsign offers three integration methods:
✔️API Embedding: Embed eformsign features directly into your website or service interface, allowing use without visiting the eformsign website.
✔️Open API: Use eformsign’s public API to access data and extend your application’s functionality, typically for backend services.
✔️Webhook Payment API: Receive notifications for new orders and manage inventory
Other API Integration Examples
∎YouTube API: Embed videos on your site.
∎Google Maps API: Integrate map data and functionality.
∎Payment API: Receive webhook notifications when a customer creates a new order (payment is made) and proceed with shipping and inventory checks.
■ Benefits of eformsign API integration
By integrating with the eformsign API, your organization can reap the following benefits.
✔️Reduced Time and Costs: Save on development by integrating existing e-contract features.
✔️All-in-One Platform: Streamline operations by using eformsign’s suite of tools instead of multiple platforms.
✔️Data Integration and Management: Data Integration and Management: Seamlessly use and manage data across departments without additional processing.
■ Use the eformsign API for free!
eformsign offers free API usage with the following plans:
1. Business Monthly Plan: Ideal for consistent document usage, API available with subscription.
2. Pay-as-you-go Plan: Best for variable document usage, API available with purchase of 1,000 documents.
3. Free Trial: Try all features, including API access, for 15 days at no cost.
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