What does 'API Lifecycle Management' mean?

API Lifecycle Management is a crucial process for managing the full lifecycle of an API, from its design and development to its retirement. It involves the creation, management, and optimization of APIs, which act as the interface between different software systems and applications, enabling them to communicate and share data with each other. The first stage of API Lifecycle Management is the design phase, where APIs are planned and created to meet specific business needs and requirements. This includes defining the API's architecture, data models, and integration