Computer Science - Introduction to API

This video is about a tank game which I created on the Raspberry Pi Pico. It however mainly focusses on the API (Application Programming Interface). It discusses what an API is, why they are so useful and the risks of trying to work around the limitations of the API.

What is an API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It’s a way that programs can communicate by stating how requests are sent and how data is shared. Whilst the name suggests its use for applications to communicate in this case I’m referring to the use of the display software libraries.

You can think of an API as a set of rules to be followed. In this case the method you need to call and the arguments required to display an image on the Pico Display.

The idea of an API is that you are told how to use it and as much as possible that way of communicating should always work. Where possible it should maintain backwards compatibility, that is that even if the library is updated software written for it before the update should still work.

The video shows an example of where an API has changed and the consequences of that. It also explains about what happens if you don't follow the API and the developers make changes that break your code.

More information

More information about the Raspberry Pi Pico Tank Game.

• Raspberry Pi Pico Tank Game. Includes updates required for the changes to the Pico Display PicoGraphics library.

See my other programming guides at:

• Guides to programming
• Book: Beginnng Game Programming with Pygame Zero