AI Glossary

API

Also called application programming interface

What does “API” mean?

API: A defined way for software to talk to other software. For AI, it usually means sending a request with a prompt and settings to a provider's servers and getting the model's output back. Most AI-powered apps are built on model APIs rather than running models themselves.

API visual guide: A defined way for software to talk to other software. For AI, it usually means sending a request with a prompt and settings to a provider's servers and getting the model's output back. Most AI-powered apps are built on model APIs rather than running models themselves.
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What is an example of “API”?

A note-taking app can add a "summarize" button by sending your note to a model provider's API and showing the reply.

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See also

Rate limitTermInference costTermStreamingTermBatch APITerm

Same topic

Cloud AITermStructured outputTermChain of thoughtTermChunkingTermContext windowTerm