What are RESTful APIs and how do they work?

What are RESTful APIs and how do they work?

RESTful APIs are application programming interfaces that follow the principles of Representational State Transfer. They allow different software applications to communicate over the internet using standard HTTP methods.

Can you explain the main HTTP methods used in RESTful APIs?

Sure! The main HTTP methods are GET (retrieve data), POST (create data), PUT (update data), and DELETE (remove data). Each method serves a specific purpose in interacting with resources.

What is the difference between REST and SOAP?

REST is an architectural style that uses standard web protocols, while SOAP is a protocol with stricter standards and requires XML messaging. REST is generally more flexible and easier to use.

How do I authenticate requests in a RESTful API?

Authentication can be done using methods like API keys, OAuth tokens, or Basic Authentication. Each method has its own use cases and security implications.