What is a REST API?

A REST (Representational State Transfer) API is a mechanism that allows different software applications to communicate with each other over the internet or local network. REST APIs follow specific rules and standards that enable applications and users to use HTTP requests to access and use data. The data sent and received by a REST API is generally in the JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. Data sent is a request, and the data received from the API call is called the response. Two main characteristics of RESTful APIs include:

• Stateless Interactions: Each request from a client to a server must contain all the information needed to understand and process the request. The server does not store any session information about the client.
• Uniform Interface: A REST API is designed to use standard HTTP methods and should be easy for any developer familiar with HTTP.