Key Features of REST API

1.Stateless

Every request must contain all required information; the server does not store client session data.

Example:

• You log in to a website.
• The next time you request user data, you must send your login token again.
• The server does not remember your session.

2.Client-Server Architecture

The frontend (client) and backend (server) are separate.

Example:

• A mobile app fetches data from a server using an API.
• The same API can also be used by a web app.

3.Cacheable

API responses can be stored (cached) to improve speed.

Example:

• When you open a news app, the latest news articles load instantly because they were cached.
• The app does not fetch the data from the server every time.

4.Uniform Interface

REST APIs use a consistent structure.

Example:

• To get user data, the endpoint is always /users/{id}.
• To delete a user, the endpoint is always /users/{id} with a DELETE request.

5.Layered System

Requests pass through multiple layers, such as security and caching, before reaching the server.

Example:

• When you visit a website, your request first goes through:
  1. A firewall (security layer).
  2. A load balancer (manages traffic).
  3. The API server (processes the request).