API vs CI/CD
API (Application Programming Interface) and CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) both come up in technology conversations and get confused. Here's the plain-English difference, side by side, so you can use each one with confidence.
The key difference: API refers to application programming interface, while CI/CD refers to continuous integration/continuous deployment — they describe different things even when they show up in the same sentence.
API — Application Programming Interface
A set of protocols and tools for building software applications that specify how components should interact.
CI/CD — Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment
Development practices that automate building, testing, and deploying code changes frequently and reliably.
When to use API
Reach for "API" when the conversation is specifically about application programming interface. A set of protocols and tools for building software applications that specify how components should interact.
When to use CI/CD
Reach for "CI/CD" when the conversation is specifically about continuous integration/continuous deployment. Development practices that automate building, testing, and deploying code changes frequently and reliably.
FAQs
What is the difference between API and CI/CD?
API stands for Application Programming Interface — A set of protocols and tools for building software applications that specify how components should interact. CI/CD stands for Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment — Development practices that automate building, testing, and deploying code changes frequently and reliably.
Are API and CI/CD the same thing?
No. They're often used in the same conversation because they're related, but they describe different concepts. API = Application Programming Interface. CI/CD = Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment.
When should I use API vs CI/CD?
Use API when you're specifically referring to application programming interface. Use CI/CD when the topic is continuous integration/continuous deployment.