API (Application Programming Interface)

What is an API?

An API, or "Application Programming Interface", is a common concept in software development, found throughout VR and AR content development. In essence, it is a standardized interface that lets software connect with an operating system and make use of its resources.

How does an API work?

APIs are not visible to the user of a VR or AR experience. These programming interfaces establish structured communication channels between different software components, allowing developers to access functionality without needing to understand the underlying implementation details.

In real-time development environments, APIs enable access to hardware features, system resources, external services, and specialized toolsets through documented methods and parameters.

How is an API used?

By leveraging well-designed APIs, developers can significantly reduce implementation complexity while maintaining consistent behavior across diverse hardware configurations.

This standardization proves especially valuable when developing cross-platform applications that must function seamlessly across multiple operating systems, devices, and form factors. Modern development platforms frequently expose APIs for accessing sensor data, processing input, managing assets, and integrating with external services; creating an extensible foundation for building complex interactive experiences.