In Episode 69 we are venturing into the tech side of online stores. As a shop owner, or even someone who is monetizing their WordPress site, you may have heard people throw around the term API. For many, it’s just another acronym they don’t understand. Others hear it lot, kind of get it, but still are not really clear on what the heck all these developers are talking about—especially when they are talking to you about your project.

The API is good to understand if you are running an online store. And to put it more in layman’s terms, we brought in Cody Landefeld, co-founder of the agency Mode Effect, to help us break it down. Cody has been explaining this to his non-tech clients for quite some time, and is bringing his expertise to today’s show.

We chatted about:

* What the heck is the API and why should store owners care

* How it plays such an important role in WooCommerce

* Why it’s important for a developer or agency to clarify what an API is and its role with their clients

* Some of the great applications and integrations in the WooCommerce space

* How ongoing maintenance is a big factor with the API

Thanks to Our Podcast Sponsor: Bluehost

Transcript

You can also download a pdf of the full transcript here: WordPress eCommerce Show Episode 69 April 19 2017

Bob Dunn: Hey, everyone. Welcome back to the WP eCommerce Show. Bob Dunn here, also known as BobWP on the web. On our show today, we are going to dive into some serious geekiness: take something that is so important to the WordPress world and make it understandable to the average user or store owner.

That something is API. It’s actually an acronym for Application Program Interface. If you have worked with a developer, especially with an online store, you might have heard this term, and maybe your eyes just glazed over. To really understand the importance of the API, I have asked my good friend Cody Landefeld from Mode Effect here to help us all get a grip on the API. He can explain it in layman’s term, which is perfect. Hey, Cody. Welcome to the show.

Cody Landefeld: Hey, Bob. Thanks for having me in.

Bob: Well, Cody. Here’s the deal. I know that your agency has worked with numerous clients. From talking with you, I also understand that you’ve been put in numerous situations where you needed to explain what an API is and the importance of it to your clients. Before I get into this, I’d like to tell us a bit about yourself and your company, Mode Effect.

Meet Cody Landefeld, Co-founder of Mode Effect

Cody: I always enjoy talking about myself and love the sound of my voice. Perfect opportunity. Yeah. My name is Cody Landefeld. With my wife, Raquel, we founded a company called Mode Effect about seven years ago. Primarily we work with companies to establish some type of a web presence or application type of setup using WordPress. In most cases, we’re using WooCommerce to create all types of different purchasing types and get a rare privilege to have a great roster of clients. Really enjoy helping people accomplish their goals online.

Bob: Very cool. The API. This is something that even I sometimes think I understand it, and then when it really gets into conversations, it’s like I start zoning out. Thinking, “Whoa. They’ve lost me here.” In a nutshell and in terms that the casual WordPress user or store owner can understand, what the heck is an API? Why should I, someone who uses WordPress, really care about it?

What is API and why should I care?