REST API

REST (Representational State Transfer) API is an architectural style for designing networked applications, using HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform operations on resources identified by URLs. It relies on stateless communication, standard data formats like JSON or XML, and a uniform interface to enable interoperability between systems. REST APIs are widely used for web services, mobile backends, and microservices communication.

Also known as: RESTful API, RESTful Web Service, RESTful, REST API Direct, HTTP API

Why learn REST API?

Developers should learn REST APIs when building web services, mobile applications, or any system requiring client-server communication over HTTP, as they provide a simple, scalable, and platform-independent way to expose functionality. Use cases include integrating third-party services (e.g., payment gateways), creating backend APIs for frontend frameworks, and implementing microservices architectures where services communicate via HTTP requests.

Learning Resources

• tutorial: REST API Tutorial
• docs: MDN Web Docs: REST
• tutorial: FreeCodeCamp: APIs for Beginners
• video: YouTube: What is a REST API?
• book: Book: REST API Design Rulebook