what is a API in c++

[snowman8]

I have been asked to design an API that allows the user to do this and do that in c++.. What exactly is an API. In c++ is an API a .header file? Are the methods in class header file the API to allow user to interact with our .cpp file?

If someone asks, a class should have an API that allows user to calculate this, print this etc etc. then should we consider the .h file in c++ as an API.

I have been asked to.. Having a table class The aim of this class is to hold a table containing numerical data . This class should have an API that allows the user to: - Populate the table with the data from a CSV file. - Get the average of a column specified by the user.

so is the public function in my headder files an API
Please enlighten me

Thank you

[shadowCODE]

In c++ is an API a .header file?

YES

so is the public function in my headder files an API

YES.