Course Brief

Many applications in use today are a composite of other software. This is true of an application, be it web based, mobile or on a desktop where the functionality of another is used to build upon. Think of an application that locates nearby restaurants – this may utilise an already existing map service as its basis. Or a game application that enables players to invite other players, chat and post high scores to social media all within the game environment. How an application interacts with another is through an Application Program Interface (API).

Typically, APIs consist of methods and tools which are developed by the software author and can provide services and functionality to other application developers without having to ‘reinvent the wheel’. Existing APIs provide a huge range of functionality which can be integrated into an application by following the rules of the relevant API. One of the benefits in using APIs is access to existing and proven services that can help speed up development and help standardisation.

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the nature of APIs by developing proof-of-concept application that utilises existing APIs for common tasks that can include communication, displaying interactive visuals, audio playback and handling a range of user inputs.


  • This course is offered in 50 contact hours.

Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Examine what an API is, the need for APIs and types of APIs.
  • Apply the knowledge of API research to design an application that incorporates relevant APIs for a given scenario or a substantial student chosen application.
  • Implement an application in a suitable development environment.
  • Document the testing of the application, review and reflect on the APIs used.