Etsy, an online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, announced Wednesday it was launching an API (Application Programming Interface) program. This will allow third-party developers to create tools and services for Etsy users. The invitation-only beta test is launching with a select group of developers.

Etsy's Chief Technology Officer Chad Dickerson, who joined Etsy last fall, announced the news on the Etsy Blog. He said in part, "The beautiful thing about providing a platform is that we simply don't know what will be built on it. We provide the tools to developers and step aside to let the magic happen. In the coming weeks, you will see more activity and announcements about the public release of the API. Stay tuned - we can't wait to see what developers build on the Etsy platform."

Developers interested in joining the early-stage beta should email developer@etsy.com.