API Endpoints
API endpoints are specific URLs or URIs that define the entry points for accessing resources or performing operations in a web API, typically using HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. They serve as the interface between client applications and server-side systems, enabling data exchange and functionality invocation over the internet. Each endpoint corresponds to a particular action or data entity, such as retrieving user information or submitting a form.
Developers should learn about API endpoints when building or consuming web services, as they are fundamental to RESTful and other API architectures for enabling communication between different software components. This is essential in scenarios like mobile app development, microservices integration, and third-party service consumption, where structured data access and manipulation are required. Understanding endpoints helps in designing scalable, secure, and maintainable APIs that follow best practices like versioning and documentation.