There are two broad classifications of application programming interfaces or APIs based on communication level and hardware abstraction. These are low-level and high-level. Hence, based on this, a particular application programming interface can have either a “low” or “high” leveling designation. Some APIs are not confined by the restriction of either of the two because they feature some aspects of both. The distinction between the two is an important consideration for software developers and programmers. Each has its respective advantages and disadvantages. This article provides an overview of the difference between low-level API and high-level API.
Low-Level API vs High-Level API Explained: Understanding the Difference Between Two Classifications of APIs Based on Communication Level and Hardware Abstraction
The terms low-level and high-level correspond to the level of communication and degree of hardware abstraction provided by specific APIs. Abstraction corresponds to how these APIs interact with hardware components without exposing the underlying complexities to the developer or programmer. Hence, in other words, the “low” and “high” leveling designation refers to how much an API shields a particular developer or programmer from the hardware. The subsequent discussions are the important difference between low-level APIs and high-level APIs:
1. General Difference
The main difference between a low-level API and a high-level API is the degree of hardware access they provide to developers or programmers. The former provides greater or deeper hardware access. The degree of access is often granular. This is the reason why they are called low. The latter has more superficial and indirect hardware access. It hides the inner workings of software and hardware interfacing. This is the reason why they are called high.
2. Level of Hardware
Low-level APIs provide developers and programmers with a higher level of control or fine-grained control over the hardware. This allows the development of software that can maximize the full capabilities of a particular hardware. High-level APIs provide less control because it focuses on providing a simpler pre-built set of functionalities. They not provide direct hardware access and they works through layers of abstraction like drivers or operating systems.
3. Complexity of Use
Another difference between the two is their degree of complexity. The higher degree of control of a low-level API comes with a steeper learning curve, complexity, and high susceptibility to errors as tradeoffs. One needs to have a full grasp of the hardware architecture. A high-level API is designed for simplicity and user-friendliness. There is no need to delve into hardware specifics. This makes it relatively easier to learn and use compared to its low-level counterpart.
4. Development Benefits
The two also provide developers and programmers with two different development environments. Low-level APIs focus on controlling the hardware to optimize the software but this comes at a slower development process and higher potential cost. High-level APIs focus on functionalities or the core logic of a particular program or app rather than hardware intricacies and control and this comes with a faster development process and lower potential cost.
5. Notable Examples
Specific examples of low-level APIs include device drivers, system calls, more specific graphics APIs like Apple Metal and Vulkan, or suites like Microsoft DirectX 12 and newer versions of Direct3D. Examples of high-level APIs include the older versions of DirectX, social media APIs, user interface toolkits, and payment processing layers. Some APIs have both low-level and high-level characteristics. These include OpenGL and OpenCL, and Nvidia CUDA.
Discussion Rundown and Main Takeaways: Explaining the Low-Level API vs High-Level API Comparison and Specific Differences in a Nutshell
Remember that the terms low-level and high-level as they apply to application programming interfacing correspond to the extent or degree of hardware communication and abstraction provided by specific APIs. Either of the two tells developers and programmers how much the API shields them from the complexities of the system their programs or apps interact with.
Low-level APIs provides direct or near-direct access to the hardware. This enables fine-grained and granular control. This seeming advantage makes them more complex to use and increases the risks of errors, thus increasing development time. Low-level APIs are still ideal for developers and programmers looking to fine-tune their software or requiring task customizations.
On the other hand, compared to their counterparts, high-level APIs are simpler to use. They are designed for user-friendliness and faster deployment. However, despite this advantage, they come with less hardware control and limited customization. High-level APIs are ideal for developers and programmers who need something quick and easy to use with pre-built functionalities.
