Lesson: REST API Design
1. Introduction
REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It relies on a stateless, client-server communication mechanism, primarily using HTTP.
2. Key Concepts
2.1 Resources
In REST, resources are the key elements. Each resource is identified by a unique URI.
2.2 HTTP Methods
REST APIs typically utilize the following HTTP methods:
- GET: Retrieve data
- POST: Create a new resource
- PUT: Update an existing resource
- DELETE: Remove a resource
2.3 Statelessness
Each request from a client contains all the information needed to process the request, independent of previous requests.
3. Design Principles
3.1 Use Nouns for Resources
Use meaningful nouns in the URI to represent resources.
3.2 Use HTTP Status Codes
Return appropriate HTTP status codes to indicate the result of an operation. For example:
- 200 OK: Successful GET or PUT
- 201 Created: Successful POST
- 204 No Content: Successful DELETE
- 404 Not Found: Resource not found
3.3 Versioning
Version your APIs to manage changes over time. A common practice is to include the version in the URL, e.g., /api/v1/resources.
4. Best Practices
4.1 Use HTTPS
Always use HTTPS to secure your API traffic.
4.2 Pagination
Implement pagination for endpoints that return a list of resources to enhance performance.
4.3 Rate Limiting
Implement rate limiting to prevent abuse and ensure service availability.
5. FAQ
What is REST?
REST is an architectural style that uses standard HTTP methods to interact with resources represented as URLs.
What is the difference between REST and SOAP?
REST is stateless and uses standard HTTP methods, while SOAP is a protocol that relies on XML and is stateful.
How do you version a REST API?
Common practices include using version numbers in the URL or using custom headers.