How are APIs similar and different than functions?

 APIs and functions are similar in that they both involve the use of code to perform a specific task or action. However, they differ in their purpose and scope. Functions are code blocks that perform a specific task within a program. They are typically used within a single application to accomplish a specific function, such as calculating a value, manipulating data, or returning a result.

APIs, on the other hand, are designed to allow different software components or applications to communicate with each other, regardless of the programming languages or platforms involved. APIs are typically used to integrate different systems, applications, or services, enabling them to exchange data and functionalities seamlessly. Another significant difference between APIs and functions is their level of abstraction. Functions are generally low-level constructs, meaning that they are designed to perform specific tasks within a single application or codebase. In contrast, APIs are higher-level abstractions that operate at the level of entire applications or services. In summary, while both functions and APIs involve the use of code to accomplish tasks, functions are typically used within a single application, while APIs enable different applications to communicate with each other seamlessly.