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REST services & API's are fast becoming a popular choice amongst developers for being lightweight, scalable, flexible and independent.
Siddeeqah Marlie Stevens
March 24, 2023
Adapters ERP Industry REST

The Power of REST

While a good night's sleep or a well deserved nap can be quite refreshing, this is not the RESTful power that has been top of mind. Representational State Transfer (REST) is an architectural style of communication between services on the web which is fast becoming a popular choice amongst developers. What makes REST so attractive? It's lightweight, scalable, flexible and independent. 

Lightweight

REST API's are format-agnostic relying on HTTP Standard. This means developers can select their preferred language (XML, JSON, HTML) to perform standard CRUD operations. This along with it's uniform interface reduces the load on the developer.

Scalable

REST API's are stateless meaning each request is separated and unconnected from each other. This is achieved as REST interacts through standard operations on resources. This assists RESTful services in reliability, performance and scalability as components can be maintained without affecting the whole system.

Independent

REST API's are client and server independent separating data storage from the UI. REST API's are also stateless as every interaction is independent and viewed as a new request. Thus, REST services can be considered to be decoupled by nature. 

Flexible

REST API's can handle multiple request and return data in different formats. This allows developers to build API's that can cater for diverse customers needs focusing on the requests-response paradigm. Customisation can also be achieved through code on demand principle which allows code to be transmitted via the API for use within the application. 

Although there are many benefits to REST it still rings true that the best solution is scenario dependent. While REST has moved into centre stage, SOAP has not left the stage.

Sources:  
  • Mulesoft. Top 3 benefits of REST APIs. Available: https://www.mulesoft.com/resources/api/top-3-benefits-of-rest-apis.
  • Jamie Juviler. REST APIs: How They Work and What You Need to Know. Available: https://blog.hubspot.com/website/what-is-rest-api.
  • Code Academy. What is Rest?. Available: https://www.codecademy.com/article/what-is-rest.
  • IBM. Rest APIs. Available: https://www.ibm.com/za-en/cloud/learn/rest-apis.
  • Mulesoft. What is a RESTful API? .Available: https://www.mulesoft.com/resources/api/restful-api.