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What is a REST API?

A REST API is like a waiter at a restaurant. You tell it what you want (make a request), and it brings you what you asked for (the response). It’s how apps talk to each other.

What Can You Do with a REST API?​

REST APIs let you do four main things with data:

  • Create (POST): Add something new.
    Example: Add a new task to your to-do list.

  • Read (GET): Look at data.
    Example: See all your tasks.

  • Update (PUT): Change something.
    Example: Mark a task as done.

  • Delete (DELETE): Remove something.
    Example: Delete a finished task.

How It Works​

  1. You ask for something (request).
    Example: “Show me all my tasks” → Use GET.

  2. The API gives you the result (response).
    Example: A list of tasks.

Example​

Imagine a to-do list:

  • Add a task: “Add ‘Buy milk’” → The API creates it.
  • See tasks: “Show me my list” → The API sends the list.
  • Mark it done: “Mark ‘Buy milk’ as done” → The API updates it.
  • Remove it: “Delete ‘Buy milk’” → The API deletes it.

That’s it! REST APIs are just a simple way for apps to share and manage data.