Some application programming interfaces take a while to catch developers' interest, but an API announcement from on-demand driving service Uber had plenty of app and mobile game makers ready to put the pedal to the metal.
Uber, which allows users to enjoy a private car service via its mobile app, said it would be opening up its technology to any and all that could find a good fit. The firm already had a number of well-known app publishers and startups lined up to provide examples of how its API could work with a successful business.
The mood among developers on Twitter when Uber's API came out can only be described as celebratory:
Ok, it's offical! #Uber launches an #API with partners including #OpenTable, #TripAdvisor and #UnitedAirlines! #dev https://t.co/tRpl9fRZhh
— Henrique Macedo (@henrikemacedo) August 20, 2014
Interesting. Uber released an API: https://t.co/c6raOzMYvR
— Justin Zollars (@JustinZollars) August 20, 2014
Very nice! Uber Opens Its API With 11 Launch Partners. http://t.co/zhLjxR0vSS via @techcrunch
— Klemen Kolar (@KlemenKolarSTL) August 20, 2014
I love APIs! "@AkvileHarlow: wow! RT @JasonHeller: This is huge! Uber opens up its API – and creates a new platform http://t.co/GsCaX7mZAY"
— Ken Kelly (@kenhkelly) August 20, 2014
@Uber kudos for releasing your APIs. Gotta love it! #hackstrong https://t.co/muIweyUkVX
— Gopi Jayaprakash (@GJayaprakash) August 20, 2014
The big question mark, of course, is who will be first out of the gate with Uber-based apps beyond the initial list of partners.
What would you build? - Uber Opens Its API http://t.co/G2C6Ijajvd
— Murat Mutlu (@mutlu82) August 20, 2014
here it is..... let the brainstorm begin. https://t.co/qPRiMnWEGu @Uber
— Kyle Zinter (@kylezinter) August 20, 2014
Given how Twitter and others started out with open APIs and then pulled back, though, not all developers were ready to trust Uber.
APIs are now a tool big startups use small startups to leverage growth, still their sandpit & their revenue. There's no @uber_api gold rush
— Δ (@oliyoung) August 20, 2014
For the most part, developers sounded more than ready to fasten their seat belts and get started with the API.
@conoro Time to integrate Uber with my airport apps. I'm already an affiliate with http://t.co/eNtdu3LfCq. Uber makes sense.
— John Mollaghan (@johnmollaghan) August 20, 2014
The @Uber API is Uber interesting ;) https://t.co/faq8KAq3IQ
— Eytan Schulman (@zorcan1) August 20, 2014