Using the correct APIs is vital to creating usable and successful software solutions that meet the customer's needs, so it is important to understand how to plan and create an API strategy properly. In this course, you’ll begin by exploring the importance of planning, best practices when developing API strategies, and how to manage the API life cycle. Next, you’ll examine the advantages, challenges, risks, and key elements to consider when developing an API strategy. You’ll then explore the government API design standards and API governance standards for security. You’ll continue by examining building verses buying API libraries, and whether to use public, private, or partner APIs. Lastly, you’ll explore real-world examples of creating and using API strategies.