API management refers to the process of overseeing and controlling application programming interfaces (APIs) throughout their lifecycle. It encompasses various activities, including publishing, documenting, securing, and analyzing APIs to ensure they function effectively and meet business needs. As organizations increasingly rely on APIs to connect applications and services, effective management becomes crucial to handle the complexities that arise from multiple APIs, versioning, and security concerns. API management platforms provide tools to streamline these processes, enhance productivity, and improve the overall performance of APIs, making them essential for modern software development and integration strategies.