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Consuming RESTful APIs

RESTful APIs are application programming interfaces that enable communication between different software applications, allowing for data sharing and interaction. They are stateless, resource-focused, and provide benefits such as real-time data access, enhanced functionality, and cost savings. Common actions include GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, and while they offer numerous advantages, challenges such as rate limits and security must be managed.

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4 views11 pages

Consuming RESTful APIs

RESTful APIs are application programming interfaces that enable communication between different software applications, allowing for data sharing and interaction. They are stateless, resource-focused, and provide benefits such as real-time data access, enhanced functionality, and cost savings. Common actions include GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, and while they offer numerous advantages, challenges such as rate limits and security must be managed.

Uploaded by

mj.gagnao
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CO NS U M I N G

RE ST F U L A P I S
S E AND BENEFITS OF
TANDING THE P U RP O
UNDERS
RESTFUL APIS
INTRODUCTION
Definition: “API" stands for application programming interface, a
bridge that lets two applications talk to each other.

Purpose: APIs allow different software applications to


communicate and share data.

Examples: Google Maps API, Twitter API, Weather API.


WHY "RESTFUL" APIS?
REST Basics: REST (Representational State Transfer) is a simple, standard
way of designing APIs.

Key Ideas:

• Stateless: Each request stands on its own, making the system easier to
manage.
• Uniform Interface: Common rules exist for accessing different API parts.
• Resource-Focused: RESTful APIs work with "resources" (like users,
products, or messages) that you can access through URLs.
WHY USE RESTFUL APIS?
•Works Across Platforms: RESTful APIs can connect apps, websites,
or even devices.

•Scales Easily: Makes it easy to grow as more users or devices come


in.

•Fast and Lightweight: Great for mobile apps and other platforms that
need quick responses.
FOUR COMMON API ACTIONS
•GET: Retrieve data from a resource.

•POST: Create a new resource.

•PUT: Update an existing resource.

•DELETE: Delete a resource.


USING AN API – HOW IT
WORKS
Step 1: Find The API Endpoint (It’s A Specific URL That Gives You Access
To Data).
Step 2: Send A Request (Get, Post, Etc.) Through An App, Website, Or
Even Your Browser.
Step 3: Authentication – Some Apis Need You To Log In With A Key Or
Token.
Step 4: Use The Response: Responses Often Come In Json Format, And
You Can Use That Data In Your App.
BENEFITS OF USING RESTFUL APIS
• Real-time Data Access: Access Updated Information Directly From The
Source.

• Enhanced Functionality: Leverage External Data And Services Without


Building Them.

• Efficient Development: Faster Integration And Development Process.


• Cost Savings: Reduces The Need For Building Complex Functionalities
In-house.
WHERE CAN YOU USE
RESTFUL APIS?
• Social Media Apps: Bring In Social Feeds Or Let Users Log In With
Accounts From Other Platforms.

• Weather Or News: Pull In Live Updates Without Maintaining Your Own


Sources.

• Payments: Connect With Services Like Paypal Or Stripe To Process


Transactions.

• Data For Dashboards: Show Live, Interactive Data From Other Sources.
CHALLENGES IN CONSUMING RESTFUL
APIS
• Rate Limits: Many APIs limit the number of requests per time.

• Authentication & Security: Requires secure handling of API keys


and tokens.

• Data Handling: Must handle varying response structures and error


responses.
TOOLS FOR USING RESTFUL
APIS
• Postman: A tool to test and interact with APIs.

• cURL: Command-line tool for sending HTTP requests.

• Programming Languages: Python (requests), JavaScript


(fetch, Axios), etc.
BEST PRACTICES
• Handle Errors Gracefully: Account for potential errors and handle them
well.

• Use Caching: Cache data to reduce API calls where possible.

• Rate Limit Management: Stay within API rate limits to avoid disruptions.

• Security: Protect sensitive data and use HTTPS and secure authentication.

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