AI Chatbot Glossary

What Is API (Application Programming Interface)?

An API is a set of protocols that lets different software applications exchange data. In chatbots, APIs connect the bot to CRMs, e-commerce platforms, and helpdesks so conversations trigger real-world actions.

Definition

A set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. In the chatbot world, APIs enable your chatbot to connect with CRMs, e-commerce platforms, helpdesks, and other business tools to exchange data and trigger actions.

Why API (Application Programming Interface) Matters for AI Chatbots

The API is what turns your chatbot from an isolated widget into a real part of your stack. A captured lead becomes a HubSpot contact; a support question becomes a Zendesk ticket; a Shopify customer becomes a tagged segment. Without APIs, you end up copying data by hand.

See it in practice:

Explore Chatonbo API docs

Related Terms

Webhook

A webhook is an HTTP callback that sends real-time data from one application to another when an event occurs — used by chatbots to notify external systems of leads or events.

Integration

An integration is a connection between your chatbot and an external tool — CRMs, helpdesks, messaging apps, e-commerce — enabling data sharing and automated workflows.

JSON Payload

A JSON payload is the structured message a webhook sends to an external system when an event happens in the chatbot, such as a new lead being captured.

JavaScript SDK

The JavaScript SDK is the lightweight embed script that loads a chatbot widget on a website — typically a single <script> tag with a bot ID.

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