APIs, short for Application Programming Interfaces, allow one system to talk to another. You may be familiar with the concept of an API if you have ever used a service like Twitter or Facebook. These companies offer software developers access to their services via an API which enables them to build and design new programs that fit in with their company's model. API enables the creation of custom-made integrations between existing systems. They also give developers a way to access data quickly and with fewer issues. However, APIs must be managed carefully as they can open up an organization's most sensitive data to unscrupulous people.