What is a key difference between a public API and an internal API?

A key difference between a public API and an internal API lies in their intended audience and accessibility. Public APIs are specifically designed to be consumed by external developers, allowing them to access certain functionalities or data from a system or service over the internet. This promotes integration between diverse applications and encourages third-party development.

In contrast, internal APIs are meant solely for use within an organization. They are not made available to external developers and are typically used to facilitate communication and data exchange between different internal systems or services. This means that internal APIs often prioritize security and efficiency over broad accessibility.

While other options touch on aspects of each type of API, they do not accurately capture the fundamental distinction that defines their purpose and usage. Public APIs serve to foster engagement with external developers, whereas internal APIs are restricted to internal use, thereby ensuring control over the system’s capabilities.