In the ever-evolving world of software development and system architecture, the term "API" (Application Programming Interface) is more than just a buzzword—it’s a foundational building block that powers digital communication between systems. Whether you're designing a mobile app, building a microservice, or integrating third-party services, APIs are at the heart of your project's connectivity. Yet, developers and technical decision-makers often face confusion when encountering two closely related terms: HTTP API and REST API.
While they may appear interchangeable at first glance, understanding the distinctions in the debate of HTTP API vs REST API is critical to choosing the right architectural approach for your software. Not all APIs that use HTTP are RESTful, and not all REST APIs fully adhere to the underlying principles that define them. This article will unpack these concepts, explore their key differences, and help you determine which API style best suits your development needs.
To dive deeper into the detailed breakdown of the differences between HTTP APIs and REST APIs, visit the full article at the following link:
https://testomat.io/blog/http-api-vs-rest-api-key-differences-explained/
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An API is a contract that allows one piece of software to communicate with another. APIs define a set of rules and protocols that determine how clients and servers exchange data. They can operate over different protocols, use various data formats, and exist in multiple architectural styles.
From internal service layers within a company’s infrastructure to third-party payment gateways and messaging platforms, APIs are everywhere. Their design and performance significantly influence software quality, speed, and maintainability. This is why choosing between an HTTP API and a REST API becomes more than just a technical detail—it can shape the future agility of your product.
An HTTP API is any API that uses the HTTP protocol for communication. It does not necessarily follow any strict constraints or conventions beyond the basic HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. An HTTP API focuses on practicality and simplicity. It enables developers to create fast, low-latency endpoints without adhering to the more rigid design philosophy of REST.
HTTP APIs are often found in modern cloud-native applications, especially in serverless computing environments and microservices architecture, where lightweight, flexible APIs are preferred. They allow developers to define routes and payloads with high customization and can deliver better performance in latency-sensitive applications.
REST (Representational State Transfer) is a set of architectural constraints first introduced by Roy Fielding in his doctoral dissertation. REST APIs must follow specific principles such as statelessness, resource-based URIs, and the use of standard HTTP methods. REST emphasizes a uniform interface and represents resources (e.g., users, products, orders) using predictable URIs.
A true REST API must: