The basic analogy is that an api is like the pointy end of a drill bit. Google and Oracle want to help people drill in screws or hex keys. Sun started selling flat screw bits, and google, in order for handymen (developers) to be able to use the same skills, also started selling flat bits (or flat head screws if you prefer).
The one distinction complicating this a little is more thought and creativity goes into designing an api then designing the interface between a drill bit and screw.
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The basic analogy is that an api is like the pointy end of a drill bit. Google and Oracle want to help people drill in screws or hex keys. Sun started selling flat screw bits, and google, in order for handymen (developers) to be able to use the same skills, also started selling flat bits (or flat head screws if you prefer).
The one distinction complicating this a little is more thought and creativity goes into designing an api then designing the interface between a drill bit and screw.