What Is a CMS API?
BeginnerQuick Answer
TL;DR
A CMS API is a programmatic interface that lets external applications read, create, update, and delete content in your content management system (CMS). REST APIs use HTTP endpoints (GET /articles, POST /articles), while GraphQL APIs let you query exactly the fields you need. Headless CMS platforms are built around their APIs — the API is the primary way content reaches your website, mobile app, or any other frontend.
Key Takeaways
- A CMS API lets applications interact with content programmatically via HTTP requests
- REST APIs use standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) with fixed endpoints
- GraphQL APIs let you request exactly the fields you need in a single query
- Read APIs (content delivery) serve content to frontends; write APIs (content management) handle creation and editing
- API authentication controls who can read, write, and delete content