<programming> (API, or "application programming interface")
The interface (calling conventions) by which an application
program accesses operating system and other services. An
API is defined at source code level and provides a level of
abstraction between the application and the kernel (or
other privileged utilities) to ensure the portability of the
code.
An API can also provide an interface between a high level
language and lower level utilities and services which were
written without consideration for the calling conventions
supported by compiled languages. In this case, the API's main
task may be the translation of parameter lists from one format
to another and the interpretation of call-by-value and
call-by-reference arguments in one or both directions.
(1995-02-15)
Nearby terms:
application layer « Application Portability Architecture « application program « Application Program Interface » Application Programming Interface » Application Protocol Data Unit » Applications Development Manager
