Learn API management with online courses and programs

API management tutorial curriculum

An introductory API management course will start by reviewing the basics of APIs, including what they are and what they do. You might also learn about API management policies for security, authentication, and more.

At intermediate levels, learners could practice creating their own API or working with a simple API so that they can observe how the system operates from the inside out. You could then apply what you have learned by working within an actual management product, which can provide real-time monitoring and reports for usage statistics, diagnostics, and other metrics. Advanced courses may also allow you to delve deeper into using web programming languages to build complex APIs from scratch.

edX offers a variety of educational opportunities for learners interested in studying many different disciplines. A boot camp can provide flexible, hands-on learning for those who want to upskill quickly, while executive education courses are designed for busy professionals. You can also pursue a more comprehensive curriculum in a bachelor’s degree program or, for more advanced learners, a master’s degree program. Find the right learning path for you.

Explore jobs that use API management

There are many careers that use APIs and could benefit from knowledge of managing how they are used. Examples of professions include:

• Software engineer: Builds and manages software products to meet the needs of a product, business or user group. These professionals use APIs in digital products like apps and online services to ensure that users can access the appropriate data and services.²

• Web developer: Creates and manages websites and web applications, including APIs that allow users to interface with apps in the desired manner.³

• Quality assurance (QA) tester or engineer: Tests out security and access management features while mimicking real-world usage patterns to ensure they function as intended.⁴

• Computer support technician: Helps non-developer users interact with APIs by troubleshooting problems and helping develop customized solutions to meet user needs.⁵

• Technical writer: Creates product documentation and other instructional resources to help other users navigate an API portal.⁶

Each of these roles will have different education and skill requirements. For example, you may be able to build relevant skills in a coding boot camp. However, some employers may seek candidates with a degree in computer science depending on the role. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.

How to use API management in your career

In a programming role such as web developer or software engineer, you might use API management products to run the APIs you build. These management tools provide insight into API usage, let you manage requests at any scale, and simplify workflows by automating repetitive tasks.⁷

Even if you are not someone that builds APIs professionally, you could use the knowledge you build in an API management course to improve your business processes and practices. For example, if you're in customer support, you can use a cloud contact center platform API management tool to improve the customer experience. If you route customer help requests through an API, you can gather enough data for in-depth analytics. This lets you identify patterns, predict issues, and make data-driven decisions.⁸