Final answer:
The statement is true; the OS indeed communicates with software applications through an application programming interface (API), which defines and facilitates the interactions between software and system resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The OS communicates with software applications via an application programming interface (API).' is true. An API is a set of protocols, tools, and definitions that allow different software applications to communicate with each other and with the underlying hardware.
When a software application needs to perform a function such as opening a file, sending data across a network, or displaying information on the screen, it makes a call to the OS's API. The API defines how software applications interact with system resources and services without needing to know the details of the hardware's operation.
APIs provide a layer of abstraction that simplifies development, allowing programmers to build software without needing to directly interact with low-level system functions. It's one of the fundamental tools that developers rely on for creating software applications on various operating systems.