Educational Article

REST (Representational State Transfer) API is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It provides a set of conventions for building web services that are scalable, maintainable, and easy to understand.

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What is REST API?


REST (Representational State Transfer) API is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It provides a set of conventions for building web services that are scalable, maintainable, and easy to understand.


What REST API Does


REST APIs enable different systems to communicate over the internet using standard HTTP methods. They provide a way to access and manipulate resources (data) through a consistent interface, making it easier to build applications that work together.


How REST API Works


REST APIs follow these principles:


1. Stateless: Each request contains all necessary information

2. Client-Server: Clear separation between client and server

3. Cacheable: Responses can be cached for performance

4. Uniform Interface: Consistent way to interact with resources

5. Layered System: Can work through intermediaries


Common Uses


REST APIs are used in many applications:


  • Web Applications: Frontend-backend communication
  • Mobile Apps: App-server data exchange
  • Third-party Integrations: Connecting different services
  • Microservices: Service-to-service communication
  • Public APIs: Exposing data to external developers

  • Why It Matters


    REST APIs are important because they:


  • Enable Integration: Connect different systems easily
  • Provide Scalability: Handle growing user bases
  • Ensure Compatibility: Work across different platforms
  • Simplify Development: Standard patterns and conventions
  • Support Evolution: Can evolve without breaking clients

  • HTTP Methods


  • GET: Retrieve data from the server
  • POST: Create new resources
  • PUT: Update existing resources
  • DELETE: Remove resources
  • PATCH: Partially update resources

  • REST APIs have become the standard for web service design, enabling the modern interconnected web of applications and services.

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