How does an API work?

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Twitter recently announced they will no longer support free access to the Twitter API. Everyone seems up in arms about it and I can’t figure out what an API even is. What would doing something like this actually affect?

I’ve tried looking up what an API is, but I can’t really wrap my head around it.

Edit: I’ve had so many responses to read through and there’s been a ton of helpful explanations! Much appreciated everyone 🙂 thanks for keeping this doofus in the know

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Do you really, really know the details of how your car actually works?

Do you know how to use a steering wheel?

The steering wheel is the api here. It takes a complex thing and makes it consistent and simple to use. Even if you buy a new car, there is still a steering wheel.

Computer stuff works the same way.

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