DB2 graphic QMF Version 8

What is an API?

An API contains pre-defined functionality that the application can use to execute a function without any knowledge on how the function is performed. An API has well-defined inputs and outputs but the process is transparent. An API is useful when dealing with device drivers for hardware or software packages.

Most programming languages designed for Windows can access the APIs. The method by which this is done varies between programming languages, but all languages have a way of calling the APIs. Once the APIs are included in the programming language environment, using them is like a regular function in the program.

Any programming language that accesses the Windows API can access the QMF for Windows API, including IBM Visual Age for Java.

You do not need extra middleware to develop an application using an API, beyond the middleware required for the end-user. This means that there are no special prerequisites for developers. The basic middleware is the middleware necessary for the network environment, the installation of QMF for Windows on the computer, and the programming language used. The same thing happens with the final application that you distribute to your users. The only middleware necessary for the application to run is the middleware for the network and QMF installed within the environment.


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Copyright IBM Corporation 1982,2004 Copyright IBM Corporation 1982, 2004
timestamp Last updated: March, 2004