Introduction to REST API
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How REST API Works |
Understanding the Functionality
Smooth data transfer between servers and clients is made possible by REST API through the use of HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. Developers may simply access and change resources over the web thanks to this standard technique.
âž¡ HTTPS Methods and their meaning:
HTTP
Method |
Meaning |
GET |
Read Data |
POST |
Insert
Data |
PUT or |
Update
Data or Insert |
DELETE |
Delete
Data |
Benefits of Implementing REST API
- Scalability: REST API is inherently scalable, allowing developers to expand and modify their applications without disrupting the existing functionality.
- Flexibility: With REST API, developers have the freedom to choose the most suitable programming languages and technologies for their projects.
- Security: By implementing secure authentication methods and encryption protocols, REST API ensures that sensitive data remains protected from unauthorized access.
- Efficiency: REST API streamlines the communication process between different software components, resulting in faster response times and improved performance.
Common REST API Interview Questions with Answers
Here are some questions that often come during interviews:
- You can check out 4th answer for this question below.
- The GET, POST, and PUT standard methods are defined by the HTTP protocol.
- Use basic authentication with your email address and password, your email address and an API token, or an OAuth access token to authenticate API requests.
SOAP |
REST |
An XML based message
protocol. |
An architectural style
protocol. |
Uses WSDL for
communication between consumer and provider. |
Uses XML or JSON to send
and receive data. |
Invokes service by calling
RPC method. |
Simply calls service by
URL path. |
Does not return human
readable result. |
Result is readable which
is just plain XML or JSON. |
Transfer is over HTTP.
Also Uses other protocols such as SMTP, FTP, etc. |
Transfer is over HTTP
only. |
JavaScript can call SOAP,
but it is difficult to implement. |
Easy to call from
JavaScript. |
Performance is not great
compared to REST. |
Performance is much great
compared to SOAP. |
- OAuth 2.0 is an industry standard protocol for authorization.
- OAuth 2.0 can be achieve in different ways i.e., with different grant types.
- Authorization code and client credentials are the most commonly used grant types for OAuth.
- RESTful web services enable complete client-server separation. In order for each component to develop independently, they simplify and remove different server components.
- Determine Resources - Modeling Objects: Identify the central resources or objects for your API first.
- Establish Model URIs: Create user-friendly URLs for every resource.
- Figure out the Resource Representations: Choose a data format that works for your resources.
- Click File âž¡ New âž¡ REST API to launch the Create a REST API wizard.
- Provide the REST API a name.
- Choose Create a REST API, then enter your own definitions for operations and resources.
- Click Finish to complete the REST API creation.
Conclusion
Note: Majority of questions mainly appear related to the topics on SOAP and REST API's, Authorization and HTTPS methods.