REST API
REST (Representational State Transfer) API is an architectural style for designing networked applications, using HTTP protocols to enable communication between clients and servers. It relies on stateless operations and standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to manipulate resources identified by URLs. REST APIs are widely used for web services, mobile apps, and microservices due to their simplicity and scalability.
Developers should learn REST API when building web services, mobile backends, or integrating systems, as it provides a standardized, language-agnostic way to expose data and functionality over the internet. It's essential for creating scalable and maintainable applications, especially in microservices architectures or when developing public APIs for third-party use, such as in e-commerce or social media platforms.