RESTful
ELI5 — The Vibe Check
RESTful just means 'follows the REST rules properly.' It's like saying someone is 'lawful' — they play by the agreed-upon rules. A RESTful API uses the right HTTP methods for the right actions and has clean, predictable URLs.
Real Talk
RESTful describes an API or web service that strictly adheres to REST architectural constraints: stateless communication, resource-based URLs, uniform interface, and appropriate use of HTTP methods and status codes.
When You'll Hear This
"Make sure the new endpoints are RESTful." / "This isn't RESTful — you shouldn't use GET to delete a resource."
Related Terms
API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is like a menu at a restaurant. The kitchen (server) can do a bunch of things, but you can only order what's on the menu.
CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete)
CRUD is the four things you can do to data: Create it, Read it, Update it, Delete it. Literally every app ever made is just CRUD in a trenchcoat.
Endpoint
An endpoint is a specific URL that your API listens on for requests.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)
HTTP is the language your browser uses to ask websites for stuff. You type a URL, your browser shouts 'hey, give me that page!
REST (Representational State Transfer)
REST is a set of rules for how APIs should behave. Think of it as the etiquette guide for servers and clients talking to each other.