REST API Basics 🌐

REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It relies on a stateless, client-server communication protocol, typically using HTTP. Here's a quick guide to get started:

Key Principles of REST

  • Stateless: Each request from a client must contain all the information the server needs to fulfill it.
    REST_Stateless
  • Client-Server Architecture: Separates concerns between client and server, enabling independent development.
    REST_Client_Server
  • Uniform Interface: Simplifies and decouples the interface between client and server.
    REST_Uniform_Interface

Common HTTP Methods

Method Purpose Example Request
GET Retrieve resources GET /api/users
POST Create new resources POST /api/users
PUT Update existing resources PUT /api/users/123
DELETE Remove resources DELETE /api/users/123

Status Codes

  • 200 OK: Request succeeded.
  • 201 Created: Resource created.
  • 404 Not Found: Resource doesn't exist.
  • 500 Internal Server Error: Server-side issue.

For deeper insights into implementing RESTful services, check out our REST API Implementation Guide. 📘