How Systems Talk — Understanding HTTP and REST APIs

### HTTP Protocol

HTTP is a stateless protocol. This means each request is executed independently, and the server does not remember previous requests. Every process over HTTP is executed independently and has no knowledge of previous processes.

### What is REST API?

REST stands for Representational State Transfer. It is the preferred way for Client–Server communication over HTTP.

Advantages of REST APIs include: - Decoupling client and backend - APIs usable by multiple clients - Shareable endpoints

### REST Endpoint Example

Standard operations map to specific endpoints and HTTP methods: - `GET /users` - Retrieve user data - `POST /orders` - Create a new order - `PUT /products` - Update product details - `DELETE /items` - Remove an item

These REST endpoints provide a structured and standardized way for distinct systems to communicate.

### Advantages of REST APIs

Using REST APIs decouples frontend and backend development, promotes reusable endpoints, and makes third-party integration extremely easy.