REST API
Web DevelopmentREST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It uses standard HTTP methods and follows specific principles to create scalable, stateless web services that can be easily consumed by different clients.
REST Principles
- Stateless: Each request contains all information needed
- Client-Server: Separation of concerns between client and server
- Cacheable: Responses can be cached to improve performance
- Uniform Interface: Consistent way to interact with resources
- Layered System: Architecture can have multiple layers
HTTP Methods in REST
// GET - Retrieve data GET /api/users/123 Response: { "id": 123,
"name": "John Doe", "email": "john@example.com" } // POST - Create
new resource POST /api/users Body: { "name": "Jane Smith",
"email": "jane@example.com" } Response: { "id": 124, "name": "Jane
Smith", "email": "jane@example.com" } // PUT - Update entire
resource PUT /api/users/123 Body: { "name": "John Updated",
"email": "john.updated@example.com" } // PATCH - Partial update
PATCH /api/users/123 Body: { "email": "newemail@example.com" } //
DELETE - Remove resource DELETE /api/users/123 Response: 204 No
Content
REST API Best Practices
Use meaningful resource names, proper HTTP status codes, consistent naming conventions, versioning, proper error handling, and comprehensive documentation.