gistfile1.txt

Having reviewed 4f2a02a6 which adds this functionality, I'd classify the functions as a wrapper around the OSM API, with an OAuth implementation for authentication. It isn't immediately useful, but does remove the need for handling the details of the HTTP and OAuth requests.

What this API is not for is anyone just wanting to display a map with some data on it. It is for writing something to edit OpenStreetMap from within Joomla.

A few cautions for anyone planning on using it

You need to test software you write using it against api06.dev.openstreetmap.org before using it on the live API first.
The OSM API is provided for editing the map, see the API usage policy for more information
Building an OSM editor is complicated. What might be easier is a single-purpose editor, akin to WheelMap
If you're planning on adding data to OSM in bulk, you need to follow the Import Guidelines. I have seen too many people think the most useful then they can do with some OSM API interface is dump a large amount of geodata into OSM without doing the required consultation with the community.

I have a few questions on the Joomla API:

What User-Agent does it use to identify application and version to OSM?
Is a valid HTTP Referer passed?
Is there a default created_by tag used on the changeset?