What are the three consumption methods for APIs?

The three consumption methods for APIs are categorized as Private, Partner, and Public. This classification helps organizations determine the intended audience and access levels for their APIs.

Private APIs are designed for internal use within an organization. They allow different teams or departments to share data and services, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Since these APIs are not exposed to external users, they are typically more secure.

Partner APIs are intended for specific third-party partners. This model offers a controlled way to share API access, allowing organizations to extend their services and data to strategic partners while maintaining a degree of security and stability. They enable collaboration while isolating access to a select group.

Public APIs, also known as open APIs, are made available to any developer, allowing for broad integration and innovation. By opening up their APIs, organizations can foster a wider ecosystem, enabling developers to create applications that leverage their services and data, often leading to increased reach and user engagement.

The other choices do not accurately represent the commonly accepted classifications. For example, shared is not a recognized consumption method for APIs, and open and public are often used interchangeably, but separating them this way does not reflect the standard terminology in API consumption methods.