HTML Web APIs

Subject: html

🌐 HTML Web APIs

HTML Web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) provide a way for developers to interact with the browser and user's device using JavaScript. These APIs extend HTML's functionality to build interactive and dynamic web applications.


❓ What is a Web API?

A Web API is a browser-provided interface that lets you perform tasks or access device features, working alongside JavaScript and HTML.

πŸ”§ Common use cases:

  • πŸ“ Geolocation API – Get user’s location
  • πŸ’Ύ Web Storage API – Store data in the browser
  • πŸ› οΈ Web Workers API – Run scripts in the background
  • πŸ“₯ Drag and Drop API – Enable drag-and-drop interfaces
  • πŸ”” Notifications API – Send system notifications

βœ… Commonly Used HTML Web APIs

APIDescription
GeolocationGet user's geographic position
Web StorageStore key-value pairs in browser (localStorage, sessionStorage)
Drag and DropEnable drag-and-drop interactions
Web WorkersRun JavaScript in background threads
FetchMake HTTP requests to servers
NotificationDisplay system-level notifications
ClipboardRead/write from the clipboard
Device OrientationDetect device motion and tilt

πŸ“ Example: Geolocation API in Action


πŸš€ Key Takeaway

  • Web APIs extend HTML through JavaScript to add advanced capabilities.
  • APIs like Geolocation, Storage, and Workers enable dynamic, device-aware applications.
  • Modern browsers support a wide range of APIs, making powerful web apps possible without external plugins.
  • Always check browser support and request user permission where required (e.g., for location or notifications).