What is an API? How to use it?

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the backbone of modern software development, enabling different systems to communicate seamlessly. As a developer, understanding APIs is crucial for building scalable, efficient applications.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

✅ What an API is (from a technical perspective)

✅ How REST APIs work (with HTTP methods & endpoints)

✅ How to use Slotify’s API (with real code examples)

What is an API?

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols, definitions, and tools that allow different software applications to interact.

How APIs Work (Request-Response Model)

Most modern APIs follow the REST (Representational State Transfer) architecture, which uses HTTP requests to perform operations:

1. Client (your browser or app or postman) sends an HTTP request to an API endpoint.
2. Server (API Server) processes the request and returns a response (usually in JSON).

Imagine you’re at a restaurant. You (the client) want to order food, but you don’t go into the kitchen yourself. Instead, you talk to the waiter (the API), who:

1. Takes your request ("I’d like a burger with fries.")
2. Communicates with the kitchen (server) to prepare your order.
3. Brings back the response (your burger) without exposing kitchen details.

How this relates to APIs:

• You (Client) = Your application
• Waiter (API) = The interface that handles requests
• Kitchen (Server) = The backend system processing data
• Food (Response) = The JSON/XML data returned

Why Developers Should Use APIs

APIs help developers:

🔹 Save time – Avoid reinventing the wheel (e.g., use Stripe for payments ).

🔹 Improve scalability – Offload complex tasks to specialized services.

🔹 Enhance functionality – Integrate powerful features (like Slotify’s scheduling) with minimal code.

How to Use Slotify’s API 

Step 1: Get Your API Key

1. Sign up at Slotify.
2. Go to App Settings → API Keys.
3. Grab App Token

Step 2: Review the API Documentation

Slotify’s API docs include:

• Base URL: https://api.slotify.ca/v1
• Authentication: Bearer base64encode{APP_TOKEN}
• Endpoints:

Step 3: Make Your First API Call

Example: Fetch Available Slots (JavaScript - Fetch API)

const apiKey = btoa("YOUR_SLOTIFY_APP_TOKEN");  
const url = "https://api.slotify.ca/v1/slots/available";  

fetch(url, {  
  headers: {  
    "Authorization": `Bearer ${apiKey}`  
  }  
})  
.then(response => response.json())  
.then(data => console.log(data))  
.catch(error => console.error("Error:", error));  

Step 4: Handle Errors & Responses

• Success (200 OK) → Proceed with the returned data.
• Errors (4XX/5XX) → Check the error message in the response body.

Advanced: Webhooks & Real-Time Updates

Slotify’s API supports webhooks, allowing your app to receive real-time notifications for:

• New bookings → Trigger confirmation emails.
• Cancellations → Update your database instantly.

Why Slotify’s API is a Developer’s Best Friend

✅ Well-documented – Clear examples for all major languages.

✅ RESTful & predictable – Uses standard HTTP methods.

✅ Scalable – Handles high traffic effortlessly.

📌 Pro Tip: Use Postman or Insomnia to test endpoints before coding.

About Slotify

Slotify is a powerful, free scheduling platform designed to make time management effortless. Whether you're a freelancer, team lead, or entrepreneur, Slotify helps you schedule meetings, appointments, and tasks seamlessly.

With integrations for popular calendar tools, Slotify streamlines your scheduling process so you can focus on what matters—whether it's growing your business, collaborating with your team, or making time for personal goals. From one-on-one meetings to group sessions, Slotify empowers you to manage your time efficiently and stay organized.