Definitions of common terms used to describe features of the Twilio REST API. They are arranged alphabetically, so scroll down to search for a term.
API
An Application Programming Interface (API) is provided by a service owner so that others may use the features and functions enabled by the service. APIs describe how a consumer will make requests of the service, and what they will receive in return.
API Key
An Application Programming Interface (API) Key is a unique identifier that is used to authenticate a developer or program to an API.
Application
An Application, often shortened to ‘app’, is a program, or set of programs, that allows end-users to perform particular functions. For example, ecommerce companies provide applications to customers to facilitate purchases and service.
Authentication Token
An Authentication Token (auth token) is a piece of information that verifies the identity of a user to a website, server, or anyone requesting verification of the user’s identity.
Basic Authentication
Basic Authentication is a method for an HTTP user agent (e.g., a web browser) to provide a username and password when making a request.
Contact Center
A contact center is a business’s central point for managing all customer communications across all channels. A company’s contact center is usually integrated with their customer relationship management (CRM) system, where all interactions between the organization and the public are tracked, coordinated, and managed.
REST API
A REST API allows software programs to expose functionality and data to other programs over the Internet in a consistent format. APIs are considered RESTful if the means of accessing the API provider's functionality adhere to the architectural style of REST.
Short Code
A multiple countries. Their name is derived from the fact that they are shorter (usually five to six digits) than their ten-digit long code counterparts.
Virtual Phone Number
A virtual phone number is a standard telephone number that is not locked down to a specific phone. A virtual number can route a voice call or text message to any phone or workflow. With virtual numbers powered by an API, complex software workflows can be built that are triggered by calls and texts.
Virtual SMS
Virtual SMS enables you to send and receive SMS text messages over the internet without having to use a physical phone. This is especially useful when you want to use software to communicate with telephone networks that would be impossible on a physical phone, e.g. Uber notifying a customer that their car is outside or to have local phone numbers in different countries.
Voice API
A PSTN) and applications connected to the internet. By using a voice API, software developers can program voice calling into their applications without specialized telecommunications knowledge and hardware.