Understanding the Importance of API Programmers
An API (Application Programming Interface) calls for a specific set of techie tools, and not all developers have them. If you’re considering your in-house developer for your next app integration project or application development, think again – or at least determine whether he or she has the following expert API skills before you hand over the job.
Cross-Platform Competence
Do your people know the ins and outs of your system? Likely, you trust them for that reason. App integration, however, may tell a different story about their skills. Even if a programmer knows your software, that doesn’t mean he or she can write an API for it. True API programmers have cross-platform competence or the ability to communicate effectively with multiple systems – not just yours.
Weighing Your Options: A traditional developer may lack cross-platform experience – this is especially true for old-school designers. Furthermore, your developer might specialize in a specific OS (operating system), likely the system you originally hired him or her to program for; however, when it comes time for integration, you may find gaps in knowledge. An API programmer can build a cross-platform bridge that’s as stable on one side as it is on the other.
Seamlessness via Custom Solutions
Real-time integration is ideal, especially when you consider the user experience (UX). An API programmer can determine a seamless route to data-to-app accommodation – even if it means developing a custom solution.
Weighing Your Options: An API programmer—unlike other developers without this specialty—has the know-how to actually write an API from scratch. On the other hand, your in-house developer may know how to integrate third-party APIs, but when it comes to designing original code, he or she may not be as sharp. An API programmer understands the importance of an all-in-one solution and can use key skills to ensure these standards are met.
Expert Integration Experience
There’s more than one path to application integration. In some cases, a custom solution may be necessary. An experienced API programmer will have “multilingual” coding capabilities and a strong understanding of alternative integration techniques such as XML (Extensible Markup Language).
Weighing Your Options: Sometimes an API isn’t always the best option. An experienced API programmer will know if your application requires a different type of integration or if multiple solutions can be applied. Trying to force an integration method that just isn’t possible can waste countless hours and dollars.
Ultimately, a good API programmer should be a direct line of contact for any integration concerns, regardless of the technology involved. API or not, let us take your website, app development, or integration project to the next level. Give us a call today and find out how we can help.
