Difference between API and GUI

1. Application Programming Interface (API) :

API stands for Application Programming Interface which is a collection of communication protocols and subroutines used by various programs to communicate between technology products such as applications and websites. 

Features of API:

• Programmable: An API provides a way for software developers to interact with a software application programmatically, allowing them to access its functionality and data.
• Platform independent: APIs are typically platform-independent, meaning they can be used on a variety of different operating systems, programming languages, and hardware platforms.
• Modular: APIs are often modular in design, meaning that they are composed of individual building blocks or functions that can be used independently or combined in different ways.
• Network-enabled: APIs are often designed to work over networks, allowing software applications to communicate with each other over the internet or local networks.
• Efficient: APIs can be highly efficient, providing fast and reliable access to software functionality without the overhead of a graphical user interface.

2. Graphical User Interface (GUI) :

 GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. It is a software platform that allows users to interact with electronic devices via visual indicator representations. 

Features of GUI:

• Visual: A GUI is a visual interface that allows users to interact with software applications using graphical elements such as windows, buttons, and menus.
• User-friendly: GUIs are designed to be user-friendly, providing an intuitive way for users to interact with software applications.
• Interactive: GUIs are highly interactive, allowing users to manipulate data and interact with software applications in real time.
• Platform-specific: GUIs are often platform-specific, meaning that they are designed to work on specific operating systems and hardware platforms.
• Rich user experience: GUIs can provide a rich user experience, with animations, visual effects, and other features that enhance the user’s experience.

Similarities between API and GUI:

• Both API and GUI provide a way for users to interact with software applications, albeit in different ways.
• Both API and GUI can be used to access software functionality and data.
• Both API and GUI can be designed to be user-friendly, efficient, and modular.
• Both API and GUI can be used to provide a rich user experience, depending on the specific design and implementation.
• Both API and GUI can be used to enhance the functionality and value of software applications.

Differences between API and GUI are as follows

API	GUI
An API permits the communication between two programs.	GUI allows interaction between a human and a computer program.
APIs require high technical skills to leverage.	GUI doesn’t require too much technical know-how or the need to leverage.
API requires back-end storage that is backed by a logical architecture, a library of scripts, and regular management.	GUI requires few resources.
APIs tests are fast in action.	Graphical User Interface tests tend to take longer.
API is cheaper.	GUI is expensive.
API allows the exchange of data through XML or JSON.	GUI doesn’t allows the exchange of data through XML or JSON.
API allows more flexibility when it comes to automation and innovation.	GUI is less flexiballowle when it comes to automation and innovation.
API allows your program to interact with servers.	GUI allows users to interact with your program.
An API is an interface to a library that needs to use GUI.	Implementing a GUI can involve an API.
Types – Web API, Internal API, Partner API, Open API, etc.	GUI includes Microsoft Windows, macOS, Ubuntu Unity, etc.

Conclusion : 

 APIs and GUIs are two different components of software applications. APIs provide a way for software systems to communicate with each other, while GUIs provide a user-friendly interface for end-users to interact with the software. Both APIs and GUIs are important components of software applications and are designed to fulfill different functions.