WebProNews

Facebook has launched the Create Application API, which is aimed at making it easier for users to integrate Facebook on their websites and widgets.

"Many websites are looking for ways to integrate Facebook Connect, such as commenting using Facebook identity or showing visitors their Facebook friends' recent activity," says Facebook software engineer Vishu Gupta. "Companies like DISQUS offer widgets to such websites, providing off-the-shelf Facebook integration with just a few clicks."

"Every website that wants to integrate with Facebook needs an API key. The Create Application API allows widget providers to programmatically generate this API key and other necessary settings," says Gupta. "For example, a fourth party comment system like DISQUS can now more easily enable bloggers to integrate commenting with Facebook into their blogs."

There are two ways developers can call the Create Application API:

- FB.Connect.createApplication -- the JavaScript Client Library method.

- Facebook.createApplication -- the FBJS method.

Documentation for these methods can be found here.

Facebook says it wants to see a "strong ecosystem" of developers giving others the ability to make great Facebook integrations. This API is designed to do just that. Facebook has done a pretty good job of getting itself integrated into more and more aspects of the web. With the release of this API, that is a trend that is likely to continue.