A REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is a type of API that adheres to the principles of the REST architectural style. REST is a model for data representation and communication between two systems, typically a client and a server, over a network such as the Internet. REST APIs are designed to support the exchange of information between internal and third-party applications, enabling businesses to integrate multiple endpoints into their application ecosystem.
The REST architectural style is based on a set of constraints that emphasize simplicity, scalability, and statelessness. In a RESTful system, data is represented as resources, and each resource is identified by a unique Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). Clients interact with these resources using standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. These interactions are stateless, meaning that each request from a client to a server must contain all the information the server needs to fulfill the request, without relying on any stored context on the server.
REST APIs are widely used in web development due to their simplicity and the ubiquity of HTTP. They allow for easy integration of different services and systems, making them a popular choice for building scalable and maintainable web applications. RESTful APIs are often used in conjunction with JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) or XML (Extensible Markup Language) for data exchange, providing a human-readable and machine-parseable format for representing the state of a resource.
It’s important to note that while “REST API” is commonly used, the more technically accurate term is “RESTful API” to denote an API that conforms to the REST architectural style. However, both terms are used interchangeably in practice.
In summary, a REST API is a widely adopted interface that allows for the efficient and standardized exchange of data between different systems over the Internet, following the principles of the REST architectural style. It plays a crucial role in enabling interoperability and integration in modern software development.