Application Programming Interface (API)

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a defined contract through which one software system requests data or actions from another, replacing batch file transfers and manual re-keying. Maritime APIs expose schedules, container events, port-call data, and emissions figures; DCSA publishes open REST API specifications (Track and Trace, Booking, eBL, Just-in-Time Port Call) on OpenAPI/Swagger so carriers, shippers, and port community systems can interoperate. RESTful APIs return JSON over HTTPS; the older EDI message paradigm (UN/EDIFACT) moves the same trade data as fixed-format batches rather than real-time calls.