Application programming interfaces (API) act as the digital glue that links services, applications, and systems together to create compelling customer experiences. Using APIs you can create interfaces between back-end systems and applications that can help you bring new digital services to market, open revenue channels, and exceed customer expectations. IBM® API Connect is an API management solution from IBM that offers capabilities to create, run, manage, and secure APIs and microservices, thus managing the full lifecycle of APIs for both on-premises and cloud environments. This IBM RedpaperTM publication gives a broad overview of APIs and API Connect and covers key considerations for managing the lifecycle of APIs. This paper is targeted for owners of an API Connect based API, such as, C-level executives, members of the business development teams, product managers, and technical evangelists. For practical scenarios using API Connect, refer to the companion IBM Redbooks® publication, Getting Started with IBM API Connect: Scenarios Guide, REDP-5350.