Lars,
Lars Marius Garshol wrote:
>* Patrick Durusau
>|
>| So, for the first round on defining API we have:
>|
>| 1. The interface (calling conventions) by which an application program
>| accesses operating system and other services. An API provides a
>| level of abstraction between the application and the kernel (or
>| other privileged utilities) to ensure the portability of the code.
>
>Instead of "kernel", which tends to imply "kernel of operating
>system", I would say "library" or "module". Also, the bit about
>"portability of the code" is kind of strange. What was that part of
>the sentence meant to convey? It now sounds like portability from one
>platform to another, but I suppose something along the lines of using
>abstraction to make the internals of two parts of a program
>independent of one another is better.
>
>
Since #1 has three positives, let me try to fix it to meet your comments:
Revised #1:
The interface (calling conventions) by which an application program accesses another service (like the operating system). An API provides a level of abstraction between the application and the other service.
***
Comment: Took out kernel and used operating system as an example of "other services." Agree that "portability of the code" is a strange idea for an API. I think it was intended to mean something like standard access to the service but it was not expressed very well.
How does #1 read to everyone now?
Patrick
--
Patrick Durusau
Director of Research and Development
Society of Biblical Literature
Co-Editor, ISO 13250, Topic Maps -- Reference Model
