Understanding true RESTfulness in your REST APIs
Every HTTP-based API is not a RESTful API.
The term “REST API” has become a buzzword in the world of software development, often used interchangeably with “HTTP API.” However, while RESTful APIs are based on the HTTP protocol, they go far beyond the simple usage of HTTP methods. In this article, I will try to shed light on the distinction and discuss the Richardson Maturity Model, which outlines the levels of RESTful maturity.
What is REST?
REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style introduced by Roy Fielding in his doctoral dissertation. It emphasizes principles such as stateless communication, uniform interfaces, resource-based design, and the use of hypermedia as the engine of application state (HATEOAS). RESTful APIs adhere to these principles to provide a scalable, flexible, and standardized method to communicate.
The Misconception: Every HTTP API is RESTful
Many developers assume that using HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) automatically qualifies an API as RESTful. However, this is a misconception. A true RESTful API adheres to constraints that are often overlooked. An HTTP API may not:
- Clearly define resources.
