Api definition vs library

How do you explain the difference between an API and a library In relation to Turtle programming commands in unit 3

Hi @styrrell,

Good question… I myself pretty much think of the two as interchangeable, although I know they’re different.

I did a quick Google search and found this page that explains the difference between an API and a library: API vs Library (What's the Difference?) | RapidAPI

The main difference is that the library refers to the code itself, while API refers to the interface.

I’m not sure how relevant this is in relation to the turtle commands. I suppose students never “see” the library itself, but they interact a lot with the API via the blocks and documentation (when they hover over the block and click “See example”).

I’d love to hear if anyone has additional insights/corrections to my take.

Frank

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