Identify and explain the similarities and differences in both the structure and use of service contracts compared to traditional APIs.

Traditional
API's and Service Contracts are fairly different concepts. The main difference between the two
is how robust and all-encompassing the piece of programming is. An API, or Application
Programming Interface, is a far more holistic and robust piece of software than a Service. A
good way to define them is to think of an API as a Formula 1 race car while a service is a
Toyota Corolla. The API will deliver speed and performance, accomplishing tasks the service
can't approach, and doing so rapidly.

A service, however, is about
efficiency, cost, and function. A Toyota Corolla will not break the bank and will take you to
and from work every day with little upkeep or maintenance. In this way, a service is very
functional, while also being very standard. You can go and select a service from a shelf and it
will accomplish what it is designed torepeated tasks that are time consuming for a
human.

An API is much more customized and is difficult to create a
"ready-to-use" option. These have to be tailored to specific functions and customer
needs. They are significantly more expensive, but when they are complete, they will be far more
robust and accomplish more than a standard service.