# Web API

An API you call over HTTP, usually getting JSON back.

## What is **Web API**?

A **web API** is an API you call over the internet with HTTP: send a request to a URL, get data back, usually as JSON.

```bash
curl https://api.example.com/recipes/42
```

Level: Novice · [More Web Development terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/web-development/novice)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/web-api