Interfaces and protocols
REST API
In short and in plain language
A REST API is a way for programs to share data.
The shop asks for data at a web address. It then gets back a product record, for example.
Each request stands on its own. So each step is easy to log and repeat.
Today this is the usual way when both sides are actively connected.
Definition
A REST API exposes data through HTTP addresses: the shop requests
/products/4711, for example, and receives the record as JSON. Because every call stands on its own, individual operations are easy to log and repeat. REST is the usual choice when both systems are actively connected — see our page on API development.