What does the term 'API' stand for in software development?

The term 'API' stands for Application Programming Interface. An API is a set of rules and protocols for building and interacting with software applications. It defines the methods and data formats that applications can use to communicate with each other, allowing different software systems to work together seamlessly.

APIs are fundamental in software development because they enable developers to leverage existing functionalities of other applications or services. For example, a developer might use a payment processing API to integrate payment functionalities into their application without needing to build those features from scratch.

Understanding APIs is crucial for modern software development because they facilitate interoperability and allow developers to create more complex applications by combining different systems and services. This makes it easier to enhance the functionality of applications and improve user experiences.