Why all APIs are not web services?

In today’s world, the terms “API” and “web service” are often used interchangeably. However, it’s important to understand the differences between them. An application programming interface (API) is a set of programming instructions that allow two applications to communicate with each other. APIs can be used to send messages, make requests, or even control physical devices. Web services, on the other hand, are a type of API that use specific protocols and exchange data in a specific format. The primary difference between APIs and web services is that APIs are not limited to web-based systems, while web services are limited to web-based systems. APIs are also more flexible than web services, as they can be used to communicate with a variety of applications.

Understanding the differences between APIs and web services is important for developers and programmers who need to communicate with different applications. APIs provide a set of programming instructions that allow developers to communicate with different applications, while web services provide a set of protocols and data formats that allow applications to communicate with each other.