What is meant by an API Endpoint?

Question

I am currently reading the documentations of AlchemyAPI. In the docs, they have used the term called "API Endpoint" and I am not able to figure out its corresponding meaning and explanation.

Any clarification in this regard would be very helpful to me. Thanks.

see this post: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/9807382/what-is-a-web-service-endpoint — Kyle Muir, Sep 21 '13 at 05:40
Web Service endpoint and API endpoint are more or less the same? — phoenix, Sep 21 '13 at 05:43

score 12 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 21 '13 at 05:54

12

In HTTP/REST/etc API vernacular, an 'endpoint' typically refers to the URL for a single resource or operation. It is sometimes referred to in combination with the HTTP method used to access the URL.

Basically, it's the URL you access to get some data or take an action via the API.

answered Sep 21 '13 at 05:54

John Sheehan

77,456
30
160
194

Thanks..!That was halpful enough:) – phoenix Sep 21 '13 at 06:04

Rahul Tripathi · Answer 2 · 2013-09-21T05:53:04.063

3

The endpoint is a web service, defined by a WSDL file

Microsoft use the term endpoint in different context. Check this for reference.

For example:- From the wiki source;-

ENDPOINT Defines the address or connection point to a Web service. It is typically represented by a simple HTTP URL string.

edited Sep 21 '13 at 05:53

answered Sep 21 '13 at 05:40

Rahul Tripathi

168,305
31
280
331

Why a downvote????? It is a request to all the downvoters to please leave a comment if anything is wrong in my answer. So that I can improve it :) – Rahul Tripathi Sep 21 '13 at 05:42
1

It's very unlikely it's referring to a SOAP service using a WSDL file. So your answer is too narrow. – John Sheehan Sep 21 '13 at 05:51
@RunscopeAPITools:- I have just taken that as an example. I have also mentioned that *Microsoft use the term endpoint in different context.* And also attached a link for that – Rahul Tripathi Sep 21 '13 at 05:52
@RunscopeAPITools:- Hope that makes more sense now??? – Rahul Tripathi Sep 21 '13 at 05:53
@RunscopeAPITools:- As for another example in the context of a REST endpoint, the endpoint would contain the requisite GET, PUT, POST and DELETE methods (as applicable). So I think I dont deserve your downvote Sir!!! :( – Rahul Tripathi Sep 21 '13 at 05:56
@RahulTripathi Thanks..!That was helpful:) +1 from my side – phoenix Sep 21 '13 at 06:05
@phoenix:- You are welcome.!!! :) Although I ended up getting downvotes :( – Rahul Tripathi Sep 21 '13 at 06:06
@RahulTripathi Dude, you have 14.6K, cheer up..!:p – phoenix Sep 21 '13 at 06:08

What is meant by an API Endpoint?

2 Answers2