What does the acronym API stand for in web development?

The term API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is integral in web development as it defines the methods and tools that developers can use to interact with a software application or service. This standard set of rules allows different software components to communicate efficiently.

An API acts as an intermediary that facilitates the exchange of data and functionality between different systems, enabling developers to leverage existing services without needing to understand the underlying code or functionality. Understanding APIs is essential for building modern web applications, where various services often need to interact with each other.

The other options don't accurately represent the widely accepted definition of API. While "Application Program Interface" might seem similar, it is not the correct terminology used in the industry. The alternative phrases like "Additive Programming Interface" and "Advanced Programming Interface" do not exist in common usage and do not reflect the actual function or purpose of what an API is in web development. Thus, the correct interpretation rests solidly with "Application Programming Interface."