Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

Definition 

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules, protocols, and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It acts as an intermediary layer that allows the transfer of data between different systems, services, and libraries. APIs enable organisations to open their application data and functionality to internal branches, business partners, third-party developers, and other key internal and external stakeholders. 

Purpose 

API capability is realised through: 

1. The use and deployment of system-specific APIs provided by technology platform suppliers to allow direct system interface and system-to-system interoperability. 
2. The use of API gateways, both proprietary and open source, that allow the connection of single or multiple APIs in addition to providing routing, monitoring, and security and access control functions. 
3. The development and release of system-specific APIs by platform owners, typically Commonwealth entities responsible for platform development and maintenance. Supply of theses APIs will be at the discretion of the developing entity and will be dependent on the interoperability context (e.g. internal, intra-entity, internal). 

Objective 

The objectives of this Australian Government Architecture (AGA) content are to: 

• enable interoperability between Commonwealth entities
• facilitate sharing of non-sensitive data, where suitable and in accordance with Information Asset Management guidelines, to individuals and organisations who might use it to the benefit of the Commonwealth
• consolidate and standardise API solutions with aligned functions to increase efficiency and reduce the complexity of government service delivery
• establish and implement consistent standards or designs where entity solutions require API use
• ensure that new solutions that require the use of APIs draw efficiency from preceding investments, implementations, and learnings
• recognise and protect the Commonwealth’s investment in the development of APIs as a valuable ICT asset
• promote decoupling of business systems and processes to ensure agility when upgrading or modifying an entity’s ICT environment
• encourage adoption, where suitable, of low-code to no-code solutions that allow the development of APIs through a human centred interface rather than programmatically
• maximise the potential for reuse across government when implementing new systems that need APIs
• reduce implementation risk through the reuse of proven designs within government
• leverage whole-of-government (WofG) purchasing arrangements for the supply of technology supplier-specific APIs.  

Whole-of-Government Applicability 

API solutions contribute to the seamless delivery of government services by leveraging: 

• a cross-agency shared API services portal that provides API development standards (api.gov.au)
• reuse of API Designs identified on the AGA website
• replication of proven API development approaches
• low-code and no-code opportunities to assist APS skills development, removing a layer of design development complexity and utilising available analyst expertise
• mobility of APS employees to support knowledge sharing and multi-skilling
• reuse of commercial engagements for API supply, including WofG procurement arrangements
• reuse of lessons learned from preceding API development and release activities
• large volumes of non-sensitive data held by Commonwealth entities that may be analysed by interested external individuals or organisations to provide benefit to the community.