Why should I use idempotent APIs?

What are idempotent APIs and why should I use them?

Idempotent APIs are those that can be called multiple times without changing the result beyond the initial application. They are crucial for ensuring reliability in web services.

Can you give me an example of an idempotent API?

Sure! A common example is a DELETE request to remove a resource. If you send the request multiple times, the resource will be deleted only once, and subsequent requests will have no effect.

What are the advantages of using idempotent APIs?

The main advantages include improved reliability, easier error handling, and better user experience, as clients can safely retry requests without unintended side effects.

Are there any scenarios where I shouldn't use idempotent APIs?

Yes, in cases where the operation inherently requires a change with each request, like creating a new resource, idempotency may not be suitable.