Drupal REST API
The Drupal REST API is a core module in Drupal 8 and later versions that provides a standardized way to expose Drupal content and data as RESTful web services. It allows developers to create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) Drupal entities (such as nodes, users, and taxonomy terms) using HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. This enables headless or decoupled architectures where front-end applications (e.g., React, Vue.js) can interact with Drupal as a content management backend.
Developers should learn the Drupal REST API when building decoupled Drupal applications, integrating Drupal with mobile apps, or creating custom front-ends that consume Drupal data. It is essential for scenarios where Drupal serves as a content repository while other technologies handle presentation, such as in single-page applications (SPAs) or IoT projects. Using the REST API simplifies data exchange and supports modern web development practices by providing a stateless, cacheable interface.