Plugin VS API: Functional Differences

We use several integration methods to connect two systems and perform a specific function. For instance, facilitating online payments is an integral feature of an eCommerce store. However, this integration process is possible in multiple ways. In some cases, a few web platforms give limited features. Hence, with the help of API integration and plugin installation (modules or extensions), you can add better functionalities to your website performance. Even though plugins and APIs perform similar functions, they differ in core functionalities, technical specifications, and security concerns. In this blog, we will evaluate the pros and cons through a plugin vs API detailed analysis by highlighting their functional differences and how they work.

How Does Plugin Work?

Plugins or extensions are a set of software components that provide better functionalities to the existing application. The purpose of installing a plugin is to enhance the capabilities of the host application. For instance, installing an ad-blocker plugin helps you remove unwanted ads while surfing the internet.

WordPress-based plugins are the most effective plugins for improving the website’s functionalities. Several WP plugins are available, and each one has a distinct feature. Whether making online payments, SEO optimization, data backups, security concerns, or other factors, a WP plugin is the quickest solution for web developers and non-coders. WP plugin development is indispensable element that helps you to intensify the features of a website. For example, WooCommerce is one of the powerful plugins/extensions that transform your default WP website into an eCommerce platform. Plugin hooks into the existing code setup of a host app. It interacts with software using an API or other integration points provided by the core program. This helps an extension to plug into a data source or system software to complete a task.

Plugins Workflow

• Application (Host-Software)- Plugins are based on the host application or software. An application provides integration points with the help of an API that connects other software components to merge their codes into the host app without altering its core functionalities.
• API/Integration Layer: It is a bridge that builds a link through which the plugin interacts with the host app. It gives access points for plugins to hook. This integration layer helps plugins analyze the functionalities of system software and merge with it to extend their capabilities.
• Extensions: With the help of an API, a plugin infuses more features into application software. You can integrate several plugins with the core app. From standard libraries to 3rd-party libraries and system code, users can add extensions to any class for better functionalities.

Pros Of Plugins

• Quick Installation– Plugins take less time to install and automate the repetitive tasks of the users. It is easy to update plugins or extensions. For example, the Elementor website builder is one the best visual-editing tools for designing a web page with an easy drag-and-drop option. You don’t require a deep technical or coding knowledge to install a plugin.
• Customizations- You can customize plugins and tweak the functionalities according to your requirements. From web page layouts, widgets, and font modifications to other advancements, a plugin can perform a small task like commission calculation with intricate functions of an eCommerce site. You can extend the functionalities of a host app by integrating a 3rd-party API with your customized WP plugin.
• Multi-platform Usage- The major advantage of plugin customization is multi-platform integration. Most WP plugins are reusable, and you don’t need to write codes from scratch. You can use multiple plugins with different functions on your website. After setting up WordPress CMS, you can pick the suitable plugins from the directory and install the right ones based on your needs.
• Budget-Friendly- Several open-source plugins may fulfil your fundamental web development criteria. You can also build or customize plugins at an affordable cost. It will be a one-time investment as you can re-use the plugin by saving it to your HDD or cloud.

Cons Of Plugins

• Plugin Conflicts- Adding too many plugins without validating the site’s compatibility may slow down your website. Hence, unnecessary installation or bloating of too many plugins into the site hampers the performance.
• Security Issues- Installing unverified plugins causes security concerns. Specifically, never share your site’s access or login credentials with an unauthorized plugin resource to avoid data loss.
• Restricted Features- Plugins need frequent updates to provide uninterrupted performance. A plugin comes with a limited or definite function that is better for personalized service, but it doesn’t work as full-scale software like an API. If you measure the scalability of the plugin vs API then an API is more capable to handle data requests.

How Does API Work?

An Application Programming Interface- APIs allow software programs to interact with each other through API calls or client requests to share data and functions. It enhances the functionalities and performance of modern web applications. API use cases are limitless. For instance, imagine you build an app that suggests Western music playlists based on listeners’ moods. Therefore, using an API key, you can integrate this functionality to create a playlist without putting songs manually. It helps you to automate your work process, reduces effort, and saves time. From cloud services, database queries, mobile app auto-updates, and online streaming to aggregate flight prices, online payments, and food delivery options, you can integrate API into your site to achieve these functions.

To receive or send data between APIs, a developer must provide a constructive API document. It shows the types of API requests, API key accessibility of a particular service, use cases, and a few other conditions (protocols, schemas, and security requirements) that 3rd-parties need to follow. API calls authorize APIs to share data without rewriting codes or functions from scratch. Hence, without implementing API calls, making connectivity amongst multiple devices, resources, apps, and providers is critical for a developer.

API Architecture & Protocols

APIs are operated through several types of protocols. A protocol is a way of communication over a network. It commands the API how to format requests and responses. Hence, the use of API protocols depends on certain criteria such as the functionality purpose, restriction it carries, and usability. The most common API protocols are SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and RPC (Remote Procedural Call). REST (Representational State Transfer) is a type of software architecture that works similarly to these protocols.

• RESTful API- A REST architecture demonstrates how to operate and format API calls. It allows a client to request resources from a server and return the result to the client in its present state. RESTful API often uses the HTTP protocol to format requests and responses. It is also compatible with other protocols like FTP, SMTP, and more. It uses different formats to give a response to an API call via XML, JSON, and HTML.
• SOAP – It is a standard method of transmitting calls between APIs that use multiple operating systems and architectures. SOAP is also compatible with HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and other application layer protocols. It only uses XML to return data to API clients.
• RPC – It is one of the oldest and easiest ways of communicating between APIs. It initiates a remote procedural call for sending and receiving messages to the server from a client. The fundamental distinction between SOAP/REST and RPC is that SOAP or REST is functional for retrieving resources or data while RPC performs a calling function over a remote server.

Pros Of APIs

• Functionality Automation- Integration of APIs helps you to extend the functionalities of a regular app or website. It simplifies the process of data transmission from the client’s end to the server without investing a lot of time. For example, an API payment gateway helps you process your online transactions via a preferred banking or financial service company. You can integrate several API functions like auto-debit, subscriptions, multi-currency payments, and more from your platform.
• User-friendly System Design- API gateways offer a single entry gate for all API requests. It helps you to manage and monitor several APIs over multiple backend systems. Therefore, it becomes easier to expose functionalities and data to its users.
• Customization- Developers can reuse codes, data, and functionalities from other apps to process an action. Custom APIs can handle more user requests, data traffic, and other complicated services. For example, you can integrate a custom API into your eCommerce site to manage multiple logistic services from different vendors at once. The main advantage of implementing a custom API over a standard API is to get user-specific data or functionalities.
• Real-Time Data Analysis- With API, you get real-time data according to user requests. For example, sports live score updates, trading platform stock rates, e-commerce stock updates, MLS/IDX (property booking status), and more are operated through real-time APIs.
• Interoperability- RESTful APIs are highly interoperable in nature as they can quickly interact, integrate, and synchronize with other apps. It uses a standard coding structure and architecture that works seamlessly with the entire web environment. It helps you to send and receive data across different platforms without hassles.

Cons Of APIs

• Dependency- You need to rely on 3rd-party vendors or developers to integrate and update an API service. It is important to monitor the API downtime or disruption to avoid performance and security issues.
• Complex Structure- For non-coders or developers, it is tough to maintain multiple APIs of a large-scale system. You need to check versioning and backward compatibility to keep the existing system functioning properly.
• Security Issues- Similar to plugins, APIs are also under security threats like data breaches, DoS (Denial of Service), and other cyber attacks. Unauthorized or poorly managed APIs may lead to site vulnerabilities.

When To Use API Over Plugin?

Both APIs and plugins improve the overall functionalities of a web application or system software. Plugins are the quickest means to expand the performance of a default website. At the same time, it comes with several limitations compared to API services. Plugin vs API- which one is better? To answer this question, here we’ve mentioned a few factors that might help you decide when to use API over a plugin.

• Limited Technological Capabilities– Plugins architecture functions over an existing system software or host app. Hence, it restricts the development capabilities and use of different technologies.
• Debugging & Observability- With API, you get the authority to control and monitor the operations between two systems. It gives better visibility and debugging options that systematically identify the issue and resolve issues.
• Deployment- Plugins slow down the development speed as they require redeployment of the platform. On the other hand, API with serverless deployments provides progressive rollouts and minimum downtime.
• Cross-Platform Functions- If you need to integrate and share data amongst multiple resources without interrupting the site, API is the best approach.

Let’s check the comparison table of plugin vs API to figure out their fundamental differences.

Bottomline

API and plugins both web tools help you to extend the functionalities of a website or an application. If you want to customize or expand your existing app’s functions then install a plugin. Likewise, API integration helps you in the data exchange process between two or more systems. After summarizing plugin vs API features, you can choose the right tool based on your technical needs. If you need more details about API integration or WP plugin development, drop your comments below or contact us.