What is the purpose of an API endpoint?

The purpose of an API endpoint is to specify a specific URL where an API can be accessed by a client. When an application wants to interact with an API, it sends requests to designated endpoints that correspond to particular functions or resources within the API. Each endpoint serves as a point of interaction, allowing the client to access and manipulate resources, such as retrieving data or submitting information.

Defining the endpoint in this way is crucial because it clearly establishes how clients can communicate with the API to perform desired actions. For example, different endpoints may be created for different types of requests (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) or for accessing various resources, such as user data or product information.

In contrast, while data format, user authentication, and documentation are important aspects of API design, they do not define the endpoint itself. The data format defines how data is structured and transmitted, user authentication ensures that only authorized users can access the API, and documentation provides guidelines on how to use the API efficiently. However, the endpoint specifically concerns the actual location in the web infrastructure where the API interactions occur.