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Dec 17, 2025

What Is an API? Think of It Like a Pub Ordering Beer

A dark-themed pub graphic for Firma.dev / SEAL & STEIN. The scene uses a beer ordering analogy to explain APIs, featuring colorful beer mugs on a bar and bottles labeled with code symbols (</>)
A dark-themed pub graphic for Firma.dev / SEAL & STEIN. The scene uses a beer ordering analogy to explain APIs, featuring colorful beer mugs on a bar and bottles labeled with code symbols (</>)
A dark-themed pub graphic for Firma.dev / SEAL & STEIN. The scene uses a beer ordering analogy to explain APIs, featuring colorful beer mugs on a bar and bottles labeled with code symbols (</>)

Not sure what an API actually does?

This 45-second YouTube Short explains it with a pub analogy

APIs are like the agreements between pubs and their suppliers.

Your pub needs beer. The brewery makes beer. You both agree on how orders are placed, deliveries are made, and payments are handled.

A good API is like…

You having a supplier who remembers exactly what you ordered last time, knows what they need to get you again this time, on time, every time, and sends you a simple invoice.

Everything runs smoothly, with minimal effort required from your end.

Bad APIs? They’re like unreliable suppliers. Maybe they bring you wine instead of beer, even though you didn’t ask for it. Or they show up at 3am when you’re asleep. Or they suddenly change their payment terms without telling you.

They create more problems than they solve.

Want an API that behaves like a great supplier? Get started with Firma, no credit card required

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