This document discusses APIs and how they allow different applications to share data. It defines APIs and Web 2.0, noting that APIs connect applications and Web 2.0 enables collaboration and sharing online. Developers use APIs to create mashups, which combine data from multiple online sources into a single tool. Popular APIs include Google Maps, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, and Twitter. The document provides examples of mashups and additional readings on APIs and Web 2.0.

1. Working with Web 2.0 APIs
(or, maybe just defining…)
Bridget Schumacher
November 25, 2008
DMS 537

2. What is Web 2.0?
• Web-based tools
• Collaboration
• Sharing
• Conversation
• Builds community

4. What is an API?
• Bridge two applications together &
share data between them
• Known as:
– Application Program Interface
– Application Programming Interface

5. Who works with APIs?
• Application Developers
• Those with knowledge of
programming languages
– Javascript
– AJAX
– XML

6. Why would a developer
share an API?

7. “…they get used by more
applications, they get seen
by more eyeballs, they get
more exposure…”
Source: Cameron Adams, Go forth and API

8. Popular APIs
• Google Maps • Facebook
• (anything Google • Flickr
really…) • YouTube
• Weather.com • Twitter
• Shopping.com • TinyURL
• PayPal

9. How do I obtain an API?

10. 1. Visit the web site

11. 2. Fill out an application

13. 3. Wait for the files to be
sent to you

14. I have APIs to work
with, now what?

15. Create mashups!

16. What is a mashup?
“In web development, a mashup is a
web application that combines data
from more than one source into a
single integrated tool”
Source: Wikipedia, Mashup_(web_application_hybrid)

17. Top APIs for Mashups
Source: http://www.programmableweb.com

18. Examples of Mashups
• A.placebetween.us
• Weather on Google Maps
• Twistori
• CommuterFeed
• HotSpotr

19. Additional Readings
• Ten Web 2.0 APIs You Can Really Use:
http://www.linuxworld.com/news/2006/12
1806-web-20-apis.html?page=2
• Go Forth and API:
http://www.thinkvitamin.com/features/aja
x/go-forth-and-api
• Web 2.0 the Power Behind the Hype:
http://www.uie.com/articles/web_2_power
/
• Programmable Web:
http://www.programmableweb.com/

20. http://www.slideshare.net/b
schu1022/