What's the difference between REST and GraphQL?

REST has fixed endpoints returning fixed data shapes. GraphQL has one endpoint where clients specify exactly what data they need. REST is simpler; GraphQL is more flexible for complex data needs.

How do I authenticate to REST APIs?

Common methods: API keys (in headers or parameters), OAuth 2.0 (for delegated access), JWT tokens (for stateless auth), or Basic Auth (for simple cases). Check the API documentation for requirements.

What do HTTP status codes mean?

200s = success, 300s = redirect, 400s = client error (your fault), 500s = server error (their fault). Key codes: 200 OK, 201 Created, 400 Bad Request, 401 Unauthorized, 404 Not Found, 500 Server Error.

How do I handle REST API rate limits?

Implement backoff strategies (wait and retry on 429 errors), cache responses when possible, batch requests where supported, and monitor usage against limits. Design for limits from the start.

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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."

Frequently Asked Questions

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