A REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It is a set of rules and conventions that govern how web services should communicate with each other. Here are some key points about REST APIs:
Statelessness: REST APIs are stateless, which means that each request from a client to a server contains all the necessary information to understand and process that request. The server does not store any information about the client's previous interactions.
Resources and URIs: REST APIs are built around the concept of resources, which are identified by unique URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers). Resources can represent any type of data, such as users, products, or documents. The URIs act as the address for accessing and manipulating these resources.
HTTP Methods: REST APIs use the standard HTTP methods, such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, to perform operations on resources. For example, a GET request retrieves a resource, while a POST request creates a new resource.
Representation of Resources: Resources in a REST API are represented in a specific format, such as JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) or XML (eXtensible Markup Language). These representations can be sent in the request body or returned as a response.
Stateless Operations: REST APIs operate on resources through stateless interactions. Each request is independent of previous requests, and the server does not maintain any client-specific context. This makes REST APIs highly scalable and easily cacheable.
Uniform Interface: REST APIs follow a uniform interface, which means that they have a consistent set of constraints and conventions. This enables interoperability between different systems and allows clients and servers to evolve independently.
Security: REST APIs can use various security mechanisms, such as HTTPS for encryption and authentication.
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