What is an API? - Definition & Meaning
Learn what an API (Application Programming Interface) is, how APIs work, and why they are essential for connecting AI chatbots with external services and business systems.
Definition
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. In the context of AI and chatbots, APIs are the bridge through which your assistant connects with language models, knowledge bases, messaging platforms, and business systems.
Technical explanation
An API defines endpoints, request methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), data formats (JSON, XML), and authentication mechanisms for structured data exchange between applications. In the AI ecosystem, there are several API types: LLM APIs (OpenAI API, Anthropic API) for calling language models, Embedding APIs for generating vector representations, messaging platform APIs (Telegram Bot API, Discord API) for sending and receiving messages, and webhook APIs for receiving real-time notifications. Modern APIs follow the REST paradigm or use streaming (Server-Sent Events) for real-time token-by-token output from LLMs. Key concepts include rate limiting (restricting the number of requests per time unit), API key authentication, OAuth 2.0 for user authorization, and OpenAPI specifications for documentation. Error handling, retry logic with exponential backoff, and circuit breakers are essential for robust API integrations.
How OpenClaw Installeren applies this
OpenClaw Installeren configures all required API connections as part of your AI assistant deployment. This includes the LLM API (OpenAI or local via Ollama), the Telegram Bot API and/or Discord Bot API, webhook endpoints for your website, and optional connections to business systems. All API keys are securely stored in environment variables on your VPS.
Practical examples
- An AI chatbot sending a question to GPT-4 via the OpenAI API and displaying the streamed response in real-time to the user in a Telegram conversation.
- An order system integration where the chatbot queries order status from the ERP system via a REST API and relays it back to the customer.
- A webhook integration where an e-commerce platform automatically notifies the chatbot about new orders via an API, so the assistant can proactively send updates.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
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