Definition·
Infrastructure

API

An interface that lets an application call a service's functions — including an AI model — via HTTP requests.

Detailed explanation

An AI API exposes a model (OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, Lovable AI Gateway…) through standardized endpoints. It simplifies integration: send a prompt, get a response, no model infrastructure to manage.

Examples

POST /chat/completions on OpenAI
Calling Claude via the Anthropic API
Lovable AI Gateway that aggregates several models

Frequently asked questions

API or self-hosting?

API = fast and ops-free. Self-hosting = more control and privacy, but more operational cost.

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Last updated: 7/15/2026

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