REST APIs offer a structured and flexible way to expose and manipulate data over the web, using the methods and principles of the HTTP protocol. Their simplicity and widespread adoption make them a popular choice for building online applications and services.
- Client-Server Architecture: REST APIs follow the client-server model, where the client sends requests to the server to get or manipulate data.
- Uniform Interface: REST APIs use a uniform set of HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform CRUD operations on resources.
- Stateless: Each client request to the server must contain all necessary information to understand and process the request. The server doesn’t store state information between requests.
- Identifiable Resources: Resources are objects or data that can be accessed via unique URLs. Each resource has a unique identifier and is accessed through its corresponding URL.
- Representations: Resources can be represented in different formats, such as JSON, XML, HTML, etc., based on client needs.
- CRUD Operations: Basic create, read, update, and delete operations are performed using the HTTP methods POST, GET, PUT, and DELETE, respectively.
- Cache: Responses from requests can be cached to improve efficiency and reduce the need for repetitive requests.
- Security: REST APIs can implement various security mechanisms, such as authentication and authorization, to protect data and resources.
- Scalability: Due to their focus on resources and standard operations, REST APIs are highly scalable and can handle a large number of requests.
- Explicit Documentation: REST APIs often come with explicit documentation describing available resources, supported methods, and how to interact with the API.
- HATEOAS (Hypertext As The Engine Of Application State): While not always implemented, this principle suggests that API responses should include hyperlinks allowing clients to navigate and discover related resources.
- Compatibility with Diverse Clients: Since REST APIs use HTTP standards, they are compatible with a wide range of programming languages and platforms.
- Versioning: REST APIs can include version numbers in URLs to manage changes in data structure without affecting existing clients.
- Simplicity: REST APIs are relatively simple to implement and understand, making adoption and development easier.
- Integration with HTTP: REST APIs leverage the features and advantages of the HTTP protocol, such as the use of verbs and status codes, to communicate information between the client and server.