API
Application Programming Interface
In one sentenceA doorway that lets one piece of software talk to another. It is how apps share data and how developers plug AI into their own products.
What it means
When your CRM pulls in LinkedIn data, when Zapier moves a form submission into a spreadsheet, or when an app adds an AI feature, it is using an API: a defined set of requests one system can send another.
AI companies offer APIs so developers can use their models inside other products. You pay per Token instead of a monthly chat subscription, and you need an API Key.
API vs MCP: an API is specific to each app. MCP is a common standard that lets AI assistants use many apps' capabilities in the same way.
How to use it
- If you are not technical: you mostly use APIs through no-code tools like Zapier or Make, which handle the connection for you.
- When comparing software, ask "Does it have an API?" It tells you whether it can connect to the rest of your stack.
- Never share an API key publicly. It works like a password and can run up charges.
In evyAI
The evyAI agent can be opened from any link with a question already filled in (app.evyai.com/app/chat/?q=your question), which works like a simple URL API.
Related terms
API Key MCP Webhook Integration Token Pricing