RESTCONF
RESTCONF is an IETF standard protocol that provides a RESTful interface for accessing and manipulating configuration data, operational data, and RPC operations defined in YANG data models. It uses HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE) to interact with network devices and systems, enabling programmatic management through JSON or XML payloads. It is designed to simplify network automation by offering a more intuitive and web-friendly alternative to traditional network management protocols like SNMP.
Developers should learn RESTCONF when working on network automation, software-defined networking (SDN), or cloud infrastructure management, as it allows for seamless integration with modern DevOps tools and workflows. It is particularly useful in scenarios requiring dynamic configuration of network devices (e.g., routers, switches), real-time monitoring of operational data, or building custom management applications that leverage YANG models for standardized data representation.