API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information.
REST API, on the other hand, is a specific type of API that follows the principles of Representational State Transfer (REST) architectural style. REST is an architectural style that defines a set of constraints for creating web services. REST APIs use HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform operations on resources.
Differences between API and REST API:
- Architecture: API is a general term that refers to any set of rules and protocols for communication between software applications. REST API, on the other hand, specifically follows the REST architectural style.
- Communication Protocol: APIs can use various communication protocols such as HTTP, SOAP, or even custom protocols. REST APIs, however, primarily use the HTTP protocol for communication.
- Resource-Oriented: REST APIs are resource-oriented, meaning they expose resources (such as data objects) that can be accessed and manipulated using standard HTTP methods. APIs, in general, may or may not follow a resource-oriented approach.
- Stateless: REST APIs are stateless, meaning each request from a client to a server contains all the necessary information to understand and process the request. APIs, on the other hand, can be stateful or stateless depending on their design.
- Uniform Interface: REST APIs follow a uniform interface constraint, which means they have a consistent and standardized way of accessing and manipulating resources. This includes the use of standard HTTP methods, resource identification through URLs, and the use of hypermedia links for navigation.
In HTML format:
<p><strong>API:</strong> Application Programming Interface. It is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.</p> <p><strong>REST API:</strong> A specific type of API that follows the principles of Representational State Transfer (REST) architectural style. REST APIs use HTTP methods to perform operations on resources.</p> <p><strong>Differences between API and REST API:</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Architecture:</strong> API is a general term, while REST API specifically follows the REST architectural style.</li> <li><strong>Communication Protocol:</strong> APIs can use various protocols, while REST APIs primarily use HTTP.</li> <li><strong>Resource-Oriented:</strong> REST APIs are resource-oriented, while APIs may or may not follow a resource-oriented approach.</li> <li><strong>Stateless:</strong> REST APIs are stateless, while APIs can be stateful or stateless.</li> <li><strong>Uniform Interface:</strong> REST APIs follow a uniform interface constraint, while APIs may or may not have a standardized way of accessing and manipulating resources.</li> </ol>