API terms

REST

A web service that can work with many data transfer languages, is performance based, used in E-commerce and modern applications, represent the resource based on the exact time that resource was called, and requires, and set of architectural guidelines such as: Client server architecture (the client is independent from the server), Uniform interface (The details of the API should remain the same), Stateless (Client must provide the server all the information since the server does not maintain state), Cached (The server will reference the previous response to the client if the requested resource did not change since the last request), and a Layered system (when an API call gets transferred to multiple servers).

SOAP

A web service that works only with XML, uses the default POST http method only, must use WSDL to understand how the web service is defined and called, and there is a web service registry called UDDI. Requirements to call this web service are: URI/Endpoint, HTTP Method, and Envelope. Since this web service uses XML data transfer language, it is naturally more secure.

What does API stand for?

Application Programming Interface

JSON

Data transfer language that is generally used with REST web services. Is easily readable, Fast data processing, and requires less coding but is less secure by nature. Uses key-value pairs to define objects and arrays. Supports a limited set of data type, including String, numbers, Boolean, arrays, and objects.

What does XML stand for?

Extensible Markup Language

PATCH

HTTP Method that attempts to update but if not able to will create new data.

POST

HTTP Method that creates data.

DELETE

HTTP Method that removes date.

GET

HTTP Method that returns / reads data.

PUT

HTTP Method that updates data.

What does HTTP stand for?

Hypertext Transfer Protocol

What does HTTPS stand for?

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure

API

It is a set of protocols, routines, and tools for building software applications. It defines how different software components should interact with each other, providing a means of communication between different programs, libraries, or systems.

What does JSON stand for?

JavaScript Object Notation

XML

Markup language used for data transfer and storing. More difficult to decipher, Used in SOAP web services, and More secure but requires more coding. Uses tags to define elements and attributes. Supports a wider range of data type, including String, numbers , Boolean, Arrays, dates and more.

HTTPS

Protocol used to transfer data between a client and a server securely. Encrypts the data sent between the client and the server. Used mainly for private data being transferred.

HTTP

Protocol used to transfer data between a client and a server. Is the public version and the foundation of data communication for the world wide web.

What does REST stand for?

Representational State Transfer.

What does SOAP stand for?

Simple Object Access Protocol.

URI

Uniform Resource Identifier Ex: https://www.google.com/search?q=manchester+united

URL

Uniform Resource Locator Ex: https://www.google.com/search

Client

Who is calling the API request.

Server

Who is returning the API response.