What is a REST API?

A REST API is a web interface that uses standard HTTP requests to work with resources, often represented as JSON.

Resource-oriented requests

REST APIs expose resources through URLs and use methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. A client and server can evolve independently when the interface stays predictable.

Stateless by design

Each request carries the information needed to handle it. Status codes, pagination, filtering, authentication, and versioning determine whether a REST interface remains useful as an application grows.