What is Rest API

In General, Rest API is a way of communication between the client and the server. When a client needs some data from the server, it sends a request to the server, and the server responds to that request. The server sends the data in the form of JSON or XML format. It's not just about sending and receiving data, we can perform operations on Server data like Create, Read, Update, and Delete operations.

Rest API example

For example, when we search for a product on an e-commerce website like amazon, the website sends a request to the server to get the product details. The server responds to the request by sending the product details in JSON or XML format. then the website displays the product details to the user. Here is the list of examples that a e-commerce website can perform using Rest API:

• Get the product details
• Add the product to cart
• Get the product reviews
• Order the product
• Cancel the order etc.

Rest API definition

Rest API stands for Representational State Transfer API. It is an architectural style that defines a set of rules for creating web services. It allows different software applications to communicate with each other over the internet.

Rest API characteristics

Rest API has the following characteristics:

• Client-Server Architecture: Rest API follows the client-server architecture. The client sends a request to the server, and the server responds to that request.
• Stateless: Rest API is stateless. It means that each request from the client to the server must contain all the information needed to understand the request. The server does not store any information about the client session.
• Cacheable: Rest API responses must define themselves as cacheable or non-cacheable. If a response is cacheable, then the client can cache the response data for future use.
• Uniform Interface: Rest API has a uniform interface. It means that the client and server must agree on a common protocol for communication. The client must understand how to interpret the data received from the server.
• Layered System: Rest API follows a layered system architecture. It means that the client does not need to know the internal workings of the server. The server can be divided into multiple layers, and each layer can perform different functions.
• Code on Demand: Rest API allows the server to send executable code to the client. The client can execute the code and perform specific functions.

Rest API Architecture Diagram

How Rest Works

Rest API works on the client-server model. The client sends a request to the server, and the server processes the request and sends a response back to the client. The client sends the request in the form of JSON or XML format and these formats are called media types. Along with the request, the client sends the HTTP method, URL, and headers. The server processes the request and sends the response in the form of JSON or XML format along with the HTTP status code and headers.

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