5.1: What is The 23 API?

An Application Programming Interface or API describes a standard way to accessing data from and sending data to a piece of software. In this case, The 23 API describes how developers can reuse data and features from 23 Video for building new software or even extending 23 Video itself.

Most of the data you're putting into 23 Video − including videos, channels, users, and tags − can be reused on your own site by a developer. This means that you can build solutions where 23 Video is only one part of a larger whole, i.e. by implementing features from your video site into your content management system.

This API is designed to be used in an array of different contexts. Some examples include:

• Browser- and JavaScript-based mashups with 23's products
• Customized video players in Adobe Flash or Adobe Flex
• Selecting and embedding content into a content management system
• Single sign-on or paywall-based access to 23 Video
• Full-fledged video or community sites using 23 Video as their backend

To learn extactly how the API works, have a look at the full API documentation.