application programming interface, API integration or REST API
An API, or application programming interface, is a set of rules that lets one piece of software talk to another, so apps can share data and trigger actions without anyone copying and pasting.
An API is how one app lets other software talk to it. It sets out what you can ask for, like give me this customer, and what you can do, like create this task.
Most modern apps have an API. Zapier's integrations are built on them, and so are most MCP servers.
APIs usually have limits. ClickUp's API, for example, allows 100 requests per minute per token on Free Forever, Core and Business, 1,000 on Business Plus and 10,000 on Enterprise.
My clients rarely need to touch an API directly, because Zapier has already done that work for thousands of apps.
I go to the API when Zapier can't do something, like an action no integration offers. Even then I often use Zapier's API request step or a webhook, so it stays visible in the same place as the rest of the automations.
Keep it no-code wherever you can.
With an API, your software asks the app for something. With a webhook, the app tells your software the moment something happens.
No. Zapier's integrations handle the API for you.
A cap on how many requests you can make in a set time. ClickUp allows 100 requests per minute per token on Free Forever, Core and Business, 1,000 on Business Plus and 10,000 on Enterprise.
I set these up and train your team, in your own ClickUp or Zapier account.
Book a callContact Jack - jack@withtoki.co.uk