API Specification

Summary

Describing how data should be accessed interactively.

Description

APIs allow developers to access data stored elsewhere without needing to obtain and process the whole data set themselves. This lowers the barriers to creating applications that use the data, and encourages use. An API specification sets out a standard way for API developers to present interfaces to the data, meaning that consuming applications are more portable between publishers and removing the design cost for any adopter wishing to publish via an API

Prioritisation Factors

  • If applications may be portable between data providers using the standard

  • If an adopter is considering building an API

Deprioritisation Factors

  • Early stage standards

  • If there is no consideration of APIs

  • If applications are unlikely to be portable between data providers