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What Is REST?

Updated September 2026 · Beginner-friendly guide

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APIs over HTTP

A web API lets programs exchange data over the network. REST-style APIs use HTTP methods and URLs to work with resources such as users, orders, or files.

Resources, not remote functions only

You model nouns (resources) and use standard verbs (GET, POST, PATCH, DELETE) instead of inventing a new RPC name for every action.

GET /api/books/42
POST /api/books
DELETE /api/books/42

Why REST is popular

  • Works with browsers, mobile apps, and servers
  • Easy to test with curl and browser tools
  • Caches and proxies understand HTTP
  • JSON bodies are simple to parse in every language

What you will practice

Methods, URLs, status codes, JSON, headers, auth basics, design patterns, pagination, versioning, curl, and a peek at OpenAPI.

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