The WordPress Settings API provides standardized ways to save plugin options. Register settings using register_setting() with sanitization callbacks. Create settings sections with add_settings_section(). Add individual fields with add_settings_field(). This API handles nonce verification and sanitization automatically. Use settings_fields() in your form to output the nonce field. Retrieve settings with get_option() throughout your plugin. The API ensures consistency across WordPress and compliance with security standards. Proper implementation makes your plugin feel native to WordPress. Users expect standardized settings interfaces in WordPress plugins.