WordPress REST API vs Custom API

Developers should learn the WordPress REST API when building headless WordPress sites, mobile apps, or custom integrations that need to fetch or manipulate WordPress content from external systems meets developers should learn and use custom apis when standard apis lack the necessary features, performance, or security for a particular use case, such as in enterprise applications, iot devices, or niche industries. Here's our take.

WordPress REST API

Nice Pick

Developers should learn the WordPress REST API when building headless WordPress sites, mobile apps, or custom integrations that need to fetch or manipulate WordPress content from external systems

Pros

• It's essential for decoupling the front-end (e
• Related to: wordpress, rest-api

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Custom API

Developers should learn and use custom APIs when standard APIs lack the necessary features, performance, or security for a particular use case, such as in enterprise applications, IoT devices, or niche industries

Pros

• They are essential for building scalable, maintainable systems that require precise control over data flow, authentication, and business logic, enabling seamless integration between custom software components or with third-party services
• Related to: api-design, rest-api

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. WordPress REST API is a platform while Custom API is a concept. We picked WordPress REST API based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

WordPress REST API wins

Based on overall popularity. WordPress REST API is more widely used, but Custom API excels in its own space.