API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a computing interface that defines interactions between multiple software intermediaries. Examples of APIs include the ability to log into a site using your Facebook login credentials, or paying for something online using your PayPal account.

APIs are important to learn for Developers looking to use their skills to help businesses grow faster and save money. It’s costly for businesses to use disparate systems to offer services, whereas integrating services can actually increase revenue by joining forces with other enterprises. Other benefits of APIs include extending customer reach and value, supporting sales and marketing activities, easing integration of backend data and applications, and more.

APIs are needed in a wide variety of industries, providing many opportunities in full-time or consulting roles for API Engineers. Depending on the industry, organization size/type, location, and years of experience, salaries can vary. The median salary for someone with a Bachelor’s degree is $103,620 per year, and with 31 percent job growth through 2026 among Software and Application Developers, the outlook for jobs in API is promising.

Other than API Engineer, learners interested in APIs can explore such job opportunities as Software Engineer, Backend Developer, Product Manager, Technical Writer, API Tester, User Experience Protoyper, AP Strategist, Data Engineer, Marketing Data Analyst, and various others.

API courses offered through Coursera equip learners with knowledge in developing APIs with the Apigee API Platform; understanding the fundamentals of developing and securing APIs; navigating through the Apigee Edge UI; troubleshooting within the Apigee platform; and more.

Lessons on APIs are taught by instructors from major tech names, including Google Cloud Training. Course content on APIs is delivered via hands-on projects, video lectures, readings, quizzes, and other types of assignments.