Examples of APIs
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PayPal Payment
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Fast log-in
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Book a vacation
What is a REST API?
A REST API is a special type of programming interface. REST stands for: Representational State Transfer, an architectural style used to exchange data between users and applications. Rest is not a standard, but merely an architectural design, in a sense a collection of different protocols.
REST is also not a protocol like HTTP, but uses the HTTP protocol to retrieve and provide resources. This is also one of the main differences between APIs and REST APIs: depending on the type of API, a different protocol is used. REST APIs interact exclusively through HTTP protocols.
Furthermore, REST architecture is easily modifiable and implementable.
Rest API: Precisely defined
For an API to be a REST API, there are some criteria that must be met:
REST APIs advantages
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APIs enable simplified programming
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Clean overall structure, as individual functions can be outsourced to program modules
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Agility through automated workflows thanks to APIs
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Seamless communication through integration of platforms and systems
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REST APIs are very flexible and can be adapted to any data changes
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APIs provide additional protection between data and servers