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JavaScript

Matthew Francis
Matthew Francis
6,967 Points
Posted by Matthew Francis
Matthew Francis
6,967 Points

The difference between module vs API?

I tried googling but I'm still confused, can someone dumb it down for me?

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,644 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,644 Points

These are both pretty broad terms.

The concept of module comes from modular programming paradigm which advocates that software should be composed of separate, interchangeable components called modules by breaking down program functions into cohesive units, each of which accomplishes one function and contains everything necessary to accomplish this.

In general terms, an API is a set of clearly defined methods of communication between various software components. A good API makes it easier to develop a computer program by providing all the building blocks, which are then put together by the programmer. An API may be for a web-based system, operating system, database system, computer hardware or software library. An API specification can take many forms, but often includes specifications for routines, data structures, object classes, variables or remote calls.

So in short, a module is a software component, and an API is instructions, and possibly some tools, for using and communicating with a software component.