# Why and When to Use an API in Python ![rw-book-cover](https://www.dataquest.io/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/python-tutorial-1.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[Charlie Custer]] - Full Title: Why and When to Use an API in Python - Category: #articles - Summary: Using an API in Python allows you to easily access real-time data for projects in AI and data science. APIs let you send requests to servers and receive data in a simple format called JSON. Learning to use APIs can enhance your Python applications and open up new possibilities for your work. - URL: https://www.dataquest.io/blog/api-in-python/ ## Highlights - An API (**application programming interface**) is a server that lets you request and send data using code. It serves as a bridge between your application and external systems ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jgf3hp5tbx7zwq4r5t55c0hg))