~$ man api-rest
What is a REST API?
definition
A REST API is an interface that follows the Representational State Transfer style. It uses standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to let clients request or change resources on a server.
Resources are identified by URLs, responses are usually in JSON or XML, and each request contains all needed information so the server does not store client state between calls.
Think of a REST API as a library desk: you hand the librarian a written request slip with the book title, the librarian finds the book or tells you it is missing, and you leave without the librarian remembering who you are for the next visit.
key takeaways
- REST APIs use HTTP methods to perform actions on resources.
- They are stateless, so each request is independent.
- Responses are typically formatted in JSON for easy reading by programs.
- REST APIs rely on standard web protocols and need no special software.
- They scale well because servers do not track ongoing sessions.
the 2026 job market
In 2026, companies building web services, mobile backends, and SaaS platforms continue to need engineers who can design, secure, and maintain REST APIs; roles appear in backend teams, integration platforms, and cloud-native development across startups and enterprises.
frequently asked questions
How does a REST API differ from SOAP?
REST uses lightweight HTTP and JSON while SOAP relies on XML and more rigid messaging. REST is simpler to implement and cache, making it the default choice for most public web services today.
What HTTP status codes are common in REST APIs?
Developers return codes such as 200 for success, 201 for created resources, 400 for bad requests, 401 for unauthorized access, and 404 when a resource is not found.
Can REST APIs handle authentication?
Yes, common methods include API keys, OAuth 2.0 tokens, and JWTs sent in headers. The server validates the token on each request because sessions are not stored.
Are REST APIs still used with GraphQL available?
Many teams keep REST for simple CRUD operations and use GraphQL only when clients need flexible queries. Both styles often run side by side in the same product.
courses to go further
