The RESTful API has the following advantages:
Scalability
Systems implementing the REST API can scale efficiently by optimizing server-client communication over REST. The lack of state saving relieves the server of the burden: the server does not need to save information about previous client requests. Fine-tuned caching partially or completely eliminates some client-server interactions. The above features assume scalability and do not limit bandwidth, which can lead to performance degradation.
Flexibility
RESTful web services support complete separation of client and server. They simplify and separate the various server components so that each part can evolve independently. Changes to the platform or technology in the server application do not affect the client application. The ability to separate application functions into tiers further increases flexibility. For example, developers can make changes to the database tier without rewriting the application logic.
Independence
The REST API is independent of the technology you use. You can create both client and server applications in different programming languages without affecting the API structure. You can also change the underlying technology on either side without affecting data exchange.
How does the RESTful API work?
The basic principle of the RESTful API is the same as on the Internet. A client communicates with a server using API when it needs some resource. Developers describe the principle of using REST API by the client in the API documentation of the server application. The following are the basic steps of a REST API request:
- The client sends a request to the server. Guided by the API documentation, the client formats the request so that it can be understood by the server;
- The server authenticates the client and confirms that the client is authorized to make this request;
- The server receives the request and internally processes it;
- The server returns a response to the client. The response contains information that tells the client whether the request was successful. The request also includes the information requested by the client.
The request and response information of a REST API can vary slightly depending on how developers design the API.