Use the API for orchestration (connecting external systems). Use Plugins for transactional logic (inside the checkout flow). Understanding this boundary separates amateur integrations from professional, scalable ones.
OData is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows for powerful querying ( $filter , $expand , $top ), reducing the need for multiple endpoints. On the other hand, if you are used to GraphQL or simple JSON:API, the URL parameter syntax can feel archaic. advantshop api
In those cases, the API is not the tool. You must write a native (C# .NET Framework) that hooks directly into the OrderCalculated event or ProductInventoryChanged handler. Use the API for orchestration (connecting external systems)