Payload in the context of APIs refers to the actual data being sent or received when you make a request or get a response. Think of it as the important information that’s carried back and forth between your application and the server. For example, if you're sending data to an API, like user details or a file, that's the payload. When the server responds with data, like a confirmation message or some requested information, that's also the payload.
The size and type of the payload can affect how fast your requests are processed. Smaller payloads generally lead to quicker responses, while larger ones might take a bit longer. Understanding payloads helps you optimize your API interactions, making them faster and more efficient.