What is an AI API?
Also called: model API, LLM API
An AI API lets your software send a request to an AI model over the internet and get a response back, so you can add AI features to an app without running the model yourself. Providers charge by usage, usually per token.
How does an AI API work?
Your code sends a prompt and settings, such as the model and temperature, with a secret key. The provider runs the model and returns the output, often as text or structured JSON.
Why does an AI API matter?
APIs are how most AI products are built. Keeping the API key secret and controlling costs are part of building safely.
An example
Example: A recipe app calls an AI API to turn 'what's in my fridge' into three dinner ideas, paying a fraction of a rupee per request.
Related terms
Learn it properly
An AI API is covered in AI Builder, with short lessons, practice questions and instant feedback.