APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are fundamental for modern software development: they allow different systems to communicate with each other in a standardized way, paving the way for integrations, automations, and scalable products.

Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced developer aiming to improve, here you’ll find a selection of courses organized from beginner to professional level, with duration, cost, and clear objectives.

Beginner (for those starting from zero)

Completely new? Want to understand what APIs are and learn how to use them without complications? Here are courses designed to build solid foundations.

1. APIs for Beginners - How to use an API (Full Course / Tutorial)

This course is designed for those starting from scratch who want to understand what APIs are and how to use them. Through a clear and practical explanation, you will learn to interact with REST APIs using tools like Postman, interpreting data in JSON format. Ideal for approaching the subject methodically and with no preconceptions.

• Platform: FreeCodeCamp (YouTube)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Duration: 6 hours
  
• What you learn:
  
• What an API is and how it works
  
• Using Postman and interpreting JSON
  
• For: Absolute beginners who want to start from scratch
  
• Course link: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/apis-for-beginners-full-course/ 

2. API Crash Course: How to Create, Test, & Document your APIs

A quick, content-packed course that guides you from creating a simple API to testing and documenting it, essential skills for any API developer. Using Postman, you will also learn to interpret status codes and best practices in documentation. Great for those who want a practical, hands-on introduction.

• Platform: Udemy
  
• Cost: Variable
  
• Duration: 3h 18m
  
• What you learn:
  
• Creating a simple API
  
• Testing and documenting it
  
• Reading and interpreting status codes
  
• For: Those looking for a fast, practical introduction
  
• Course link: https://www.udemy.com/course/api-course/

3. Postman Academy

Postman is one of the most used tools for testing and managing APIs. This academy offers modular courses for all levels, from simple API exploration to advanced features like automations and integrations. A must for anyone wanting to master API development and testing professionally.

• Platform: Postman Academy
  
• Cost: Free
  
• What you learn:
  
• From the basics of Postman to advanced automations
  
• Managing and testing real APIs
  
• For: Users from beginner to advanced levels who want to master Postman
  
• Course link: https://academy.postman.com/  

Intermediate (with some experience)

If you already have the basics and want to deepen practical aspects like development, testing, and security, these courses are ideal for you.

4. API Development and Documentation (Udacity)

A more structured course with a focus on a real project, you will learn how to develop APIs with Flask, test them, and write effective documentation. The added value is the tutor support and feedback, which help improve your skills practically.

• Platform: Udacity
  
• Cost: Free (with paid options)
  
• Duration: 9 hours
  
• What you learn:
  
• Develop APIs with Flask
  
• Test and document APIs
  
• Work on a real project with tutor feedback
  
• For: Students with basic development knowledge
  
• Course link: https://www.udacity.com/course/api-development-and-documentation--cd0037 

5. API Development (Codio) – Coursera

Part of a broader specialization, this course covers advanced topics such as security (OAuth), authentication, error handling, and best practices in API development. Perfect for those who want solid technical and process foundations.

• Platform: Coursera
  
• Cost: Free (certificate for a fee)
  
• What you learn:
  
• Security and authentication (OAuth)
  
• Error handling and best practices
  
• For: Developers with solid basics wanting to move to the next level
  
• Course link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/codio-api-development 

6. Introduction to APIs in Python (DataCamp)

An intensive, practical bootcamp guiding you through building complex APIs using modern technologies like Node.js, Express, and MongoDB. Includes authentication, testing, and deployment, with lifetime access and continuous updates. Perfect for those aiming to become full-stack API developers.

• Platform: DataCamp
  
• Cost: Variable
  
• Duration: 2 hours
  
• What you learn:
  
• Introduction to basic API concepts and the HTTP request/response cycle
• Practical use of the requests package in Python: HTTP verbs, URLs, parameters, headers, status codes, JSON
• Authentication (Basic Auth, API tokens), error handling and JSON parsing
  
• For: Programmers and web developers aiming to become full-stack API developers
  
• Course link: https://www.datacamp.com/courses/introduction-to-apis-in-python 

Advanced (professional level)

For those who already have experience and want to master design, security, and management in enterprise or corporate settings.

7. REST API Design, Development & Management

This course delves into design and security concepts for REST APIs, teaching you how to design APIs following best practices using tools like Swagger/OpenAPI. It also covers practical API management, useful in corporate environments.

• Platform: Udemy
  
• Cost: Variable
  
• What you learn:
  
• REST API design and security
  
• Using Swagger/OpenAPI
  
• API management in corporate contexts
  
• For: Those wanting to perfect design and management
  
• Course link: https://www.udemy.com/course/rest-api/
  

8. REST APIs with Flask and Python in 2025

An up-to-date course teaching how to build professional RESTful APIs using Python and Flask, integrating Docker containers, ORM, and modern techniques. Great for Python developers who want scalable and efficient APIs.

• Platform: Udemy
  
• Cost: Variable
  
• Duration: ~8 hours
  
• What you learn:
  
• Build scalable RESTful APIs with Flask
  
• Docker, ORM, and modern techniques
  
• For: Experienced Python developers
  
• Course link: https://www.udemy.com/course/rest-api-flask-and-python/ 

9. API Development on Google Cloud's Apigee API Platform

If you want to work with enterprise APIs or in cloud computing, this course introduces API management and development on Google Cloud’s Apigee platform, teaching you to leverage advanced tools for security, monitoring, and monetization.

• Platform: Coursera
  
• Cost: Free (certificate for a fee)
  
• What you learn:
  
• API management on an enterprise platform
  
• API security, monitoring, and monetization
  
• For: IT professionals and cloud-focused developers
  
• Course link: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/apigee-api-gcp
  
  

10. Designing RESTful Web APIs

Designing a quality REST API is key for a successful project. This course guides you through design principles, from endpoints to documentation, to create APIs that are easy to use, maintain, and scale. Ideal for those developing APIs from scratch.

• Platform: Pluralsight
  
• Cost: Paid (free trial available)
  
• What you learn:
  
• Design principles for REST APIs
  
• Endpoints, documentation, and scalability
  
• For: Software architects, developers, and team leads
  
• Course link: https://www.udacity.com/course/designing-restful-apis--ud388 

APIs are a key skill for anyone working in today’s software development world, and knowing tools, best practices, and professional platforms makes a difference. Choose the course that best fits your level and goals, and start practicing now! Happy learning and happy coding!