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Why is an API needed when creating self-service kiosks with existing check-out hardware?

  1. To update the check-out hardware remotely.

  2. To migrate all customer data for disaster recovery.

  3. To connect the new application with the legacy system.

  4. To connect the check-out hardware to the public cloud.

The correct answer is: To connect the new application with the legacy system.

An API, or Application Programming Interface, serves as a crucial bridge between different software systems, allowing them to communicate effectively. In the context of creating self-service kiosks that utilize existing check-out hardware, the primary role of the API is to facilitate the connection between the new self-service application and the legacy check-out system. This integration enables the kiosks to leverage the functionalities of the existing hardware while providing a modern user interface and experience. By utilizing an API, the new application can send and receive data to and from the legacy system, enabling transactions, handling inventory checks, processing payments, and accessing customer info as required. This capability is essential for ensuring a seamless workflow and maintaining continuity in operations, especially when introducing new technology in an environment that relies on established systems. The other options touch on relevant aspects, such as remote hardware updates or public cloud connectivity, but these do not directly address the fundamental requirement of integrating a new application with existing legacy systems. The focus here is specifically on the necessary interoperability that an API provides, making option C the most pertinent answer.