API is a set of rules and mechanisms that enable communication between systems and applications. It allows for secure sharing of data and system functions in a standardized way, without direct access to the internal structures of applications.
In integration projects, API plays a key role as a channel for data exchange between source systems, data platforms, and business applications. Tools such as Talend enable both consuming data from APIs and sharing it with other systems, which allows building cohesive data integration processes, automating information flows, and supporting iPaaS architectures and integrations in cloud and hybrid environments.