Windows API

Windows API
Developer(s)Microsoft
Initial releaseNovember 20, 1985; 38 years ago (1985-11-20)
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows, OS/2
PredecessorDOS API
TypeAPI
LicenseProprietary
Websitehttps://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/

The Windows API, informally WinAPI, is the foundational application programming interface (API) that allows a computer program to access the features of the Microsoft Windows operating system in which the program is running. Programs access API functionality via dynamic-link library (DLL) technology.

Each major version of the Windows API has a distinct name that identifies a compatibility aspect of that version. For example, Win32 is the major version of Windows API that runs on 32-bit systems. The name, Windows API, collectively refers to all versions of this capability of Windows.

Microsoft provides developer support via a software development kit, Microsoft Windows SDK, which includes documentation and tools for building software based on the Windows API.