What is an Interface
An interface in computer terminology refers to a point of interaction where two systems or components communicate with each other. This could be between software applications, hardware devices, or between a user and a machine. Interfaces allow different systems or devices to exchange data or instructions seamlessly.
In computing, interfaces come in various forms such as User Interfaces (UI), which allow users to interact with software, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which allow different software programs to communicate. Hardware interfaces enable physical devices to connect and exchange data, like USB ports connecting external devices to a computer.
Types of Interfaces:
- User Interface (UI): The visual and interactive elements of a software that a user engages with, like buttons and menus.
- Application Programming Interface (API): A set of protocols that allow different software applications to communicate.
- Hardware Interface: A physical connection, such as a USB or HDMI port, that allows communication between hardware devices.