A REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It's a way for different software systems to communicate with each other over a network (typically the internet) in a standardized and stateless manner. &nbsp;Think of it like ordering food at a restaurant:<ul><li>You (the Client): Send a request to the waiter (the API). &nbsp;</li><li>The Waiter (the API): Takes your order and communicates it to the kitchen (the Server). &nbsp;</li><li>The Kitchen (the Server): Processes your request. &nbsp;</li><li>The Waiter (the API): Brings you back your food (the Response). &nbsp;</li></ul>Key Principles of REST:REST is based on a few core principles that define how the communication should work: &nbsp;<ol><li>Client-Server: There's a clear separation between the client (the application making the request) and the server (the application providing the resources). This allows them to evolve independently. &nbsp;</li><li>Stateless: Each request from the client to the server must contain all the information needed to understand the request. The server does not store any client context between requests. This makes the system more reliable and scalable. Imagine the waiter doesn't remember your previous orders; you have to tell them everything each time. &nbsp;</li><li>Cacheable: Responses from the server should indicate whether they can be cached by the client or intermediary servers. This improves performance by reducing the need to repeatedly fetch the same data. &nbsp;</li><li>Layered System: The client doesn't need to know if it's directly connected to the end server or to an intermediary. This allows for the introduction of load balancers, proxies, and other layers without affecting the client. &nbsp;</li><li>Code on Demand (Optional): Servers can optionally provide executable code to the client. This is less common but allows for extending client functionality. &nbsp;</li><li>Uniform Interface: This is the most crucial principle and encompasses several aspects:<ul><li>Identification of Resources: Each piece of data or functionality exposed by the server is treated as a "resource" and is uniquely identified by a URL (Uniform Resource Identifier). For example, <code>/users</code>, <code>/products/123</code>. &nbsp;</li><li>Manipulation of Resources Through Representations: Clients don't interact directly with the server's internal data. Instead, they exchange representations of these resources. Common formats include JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) and XML. &nbsp;</li><li>Self-Descriptive Messages: Each message (request and response) should contain enough information to be understood. For example, using standard HTTP methods like <code>GET</code>, <code>POST</code>, <code>PUT</code>, and <code>DELETE</code> to indicate the desired action. &nbsp;</li><li>Hypermedia as the Engine of Application State (HATEOAS): The API should provide links within its responses that allow clients to discover available actions and related resources. This makes the API more self-discoverable and less reliant on hardcoded URLs.</li></ul></li></ol>Common Characteristics of REST APIs:<ul><li>Uses Standard HTTP Methods: REST APIs leverage standard HTTP methods to perform actions on resources:<ul><li><code>GET</code>: Retrieve a resource.</li><li><code>POST</code>: Create a new resource.</li><li><code>PUT</code>: Update an existing resource.</li><li><code>DELETE</code>: Remove a resource. &nbsp;</li><li>Other less common methods like <code>PATCH</code>, <code>OPTIONS</code>, etc.</li></ul> &nbsp;</li><li>Resource-Based URLs: URLs are designed to represent the resources being accessed. They are typically nouns rather than verbs (e.g., <code>/users</code> instead of <code>/getUser</code>). &nbsp;</li><li>Data Formats: REST APIs commonly use lightweight data formats like JSON for request and response bodies, although XML is also sometimes used. &nbsp;</li><li>Stateless Communication: As mentioned earlier, each request is independent and doesn't rely on any previous interactions. &nbsp;</li></ul>Benefits of Using REST APIs:<ul><li>Simplicity: REST is relatively easy to understand and implement compared to some other API styles. &nbsp;</li><li>Scalability: The stateless nature of REST makes it highly scalable. &nbsp;</li><li>Flexibility: REST APIs can handle various data formats and can be used with different types of clients (web browsers, mobile apps, other servers). &nbsp;</li><li>Interoperability: They are widely adopted and can be easily consumed by different programming languages and platforms. &nbsp;</li><li>Cacheability: The ability to cache responses improves performance and reduces server load. &nbsp;</li></ul>In summary, a REST API is a way for applications to communicate over a network using standard web protocols (primarily HTTP) by exchanging representations of resources in a stateless manner. It's a widely used architectural style for building web services due to its simplicity, scalability, and interoperability.

An article explaining the definition of REST Architecture with examples explaining the working & key components.

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What is the concept of REST API