API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a set of rules that allows two software applications to talk to each other and share information. Think of it like a waiter in a restaurant — you tell the waiter what you want, they go to the kitchen and come back with your order. APIs work the same way between apps. When your accounting software automatically pulls in your bank transactions, or your website chatbot connects to an AI, an API is making that connection happen.
Real-world example
A Sligo bookshop connects their Shopify store to their stock management system using an API, so every online sale automatically updates their inventory in real time without any manual entry.
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