Key takeaways
- APIs let systems exchange data automatically. No more manual copying.
- Integrations can break when APIs change. Plan for maintenance.
- Auth, rate limits, and data mapping are common failure points.
APIs are how software talks to software. Your CRM connects to your email tool. Your website connects to your payment provider. Understanding the basics helps you plan and troubleshoot.
What an API is
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that lets one system request data from or send data to another. Think of it as a waiter: you give an order (request), they bring back the result (response).
Why integrations matter
Without integrations, you're copying data between systems by hand. With them, data flows automatically. A new lead in your form goes to your CRM. A sale goes to your accounting software. Less manual work, fewer errors.
What can go wrong
- APIs change-vendors update them and things break
- Rate limits-too many requests and you get throttled
- Auth failures-expired keys, wrong permissions
- Data mapping-different systems use different field names
FAQs
Simple integrations: days to a couple of weeks. Complex ones with custom logic: weeks to months.
Sometimes you can use webhooks, Zapier, or custom connectors. It depends on the system.