title: Is C++ STL a C++ API?
body: <p>We have an assignment wherein we have been forbidden to use any C++ API.  So, this brings me to the following questions:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>What exactly is the difference between a library and an API?  </li>
  <li>Is the C++ STL (<a href="http://www.sgi.com/tech/stl/table_of_contents.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.sgi.com/tech/stl/table_of_contents.html</a>) considered a C++ API?  </li>
  <li>Next time onwards, how do I identify whether I am using a library or an API?</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>Thanks!</p>
  
  <p>P.S:  I understand my instructor can let me know whether we can use STL, but I wanted to know the difference between the libraries and the APIs irrespective of his answer; hence the question.</p>