What is REST API?
1. Definition
REST API (Representational State Transfer) is a way to communicate between client and server using HTTP methods. It allows applications to send and receive data over the internet.
2. HTTP Methods
- GET: Fetch data
- POST: Create data
- PUT: Update data
- DELETE: Remove data
3. How it Works
- Client sends HTTP request
- Server processes request
- Server sends response (JSON/XML)
4. Example
// GET request example
GET /users
// Response
[
{ "id": 1, "name": "John" },
{ "id": 2, "name": "Jane" }
]5. Features
- Stateless (no session stored)
- Uses HTTP protocol
- Scalable and flexible
- Data format: JSON (most common)
6. Advantages
- Easy to understand and use
- Works with any frontend
- Lightweight communication
- Highly scalable