REST API
Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface
An architectural style for web APIs using standard HTTP methods. The most common way to build and consume web services, enabling system-to-system communication.
In-Depth Explanation
REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style for designing networked applications. REST APIs use HTTP methods to perform operations on resources identified by URLs.
REST principles:
- Stateless: Each request contains all needed information
- Client-server: Separation of concerns
- Cacheable: Responses can be cached
- Uniform interface: Standardised operations
- Layered system: Support for intermediaries
HTTP methods in REST:
- GET: Retrieve resources
- POST: Create new resources
- PUT: Update/replace resources
- PATCH: Partial update
- DELETE: Remove resources
REST API components:
- Endpoints (URLs identifying resources)
- HTTP methods (operations on resources)
- Request/response headers (metadata)
- Request/response body (data)
- Status codes (outcome indicators)
Business Context
REST APIs are the standard for system integration. Most modern SaaS tools, payment gateways, and cloud services expose REST APIs for automation and integration.
How Clever Ops Uses This
We build and integrate REST APIs for Australian businesses, connecting systems and enabling automated data flows between applications.
Example Use Case
"Integrating your CRM with accounting software via REST API - when a deal closes, automatically create an invoice by POSTing to the accounting system."