API Basics
Learn the fundamentals of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) with this practical flashcard deck designed for beginners and aspiring developers. This deck covers core concepts such as REST APIs, HTTP methods, status codes, authentication, and real-world API usage.
Cards in this deck
What is an API?
An API (Application Programming Interface) allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
What is a REST API?
A REST API is a web API that follows REST principles using HTTP methods.
What does REST stand for?
Representational State Transfer.
What is an endpoint in an API?
A specific URL where an API can be accessed.
What is an HTTP request?
A message sent by a client to request data from a server.
What is an HTTP response?
The reply sent by a server containing data or status.
What are common HTTP methods?
GET, POST, PUT, DELETE.
What does GET method do?
Retrieves data from the server.
What does POST method do?
Sends data to create a new resource.
What does PUT method do?
Updates an existing resource.
What does DELETE method do?
Removes a resource from the server.
What is JSON?
A lightweight format for data exchange.
What is a status code?
A number indicating the result of an API request.
What does status code 200 mean?
The request was successful.
What does status code 404 mean?
Resource not found.
What does status code 500 mean?
Internal server error.
What is authentication in APIs?
Verifying the identity of a user or system.
What is an API key?
A unique identifier used to authenticate requests.
What is OAuth?
A secure authorization method for accessing APIs.
What is rate limiting?
Restricting the number of API requests in a time period.
What is a query parameter?
Extra data sent in a URL to filter or modify results.
What is a request header?
Metadata sent with a request (e.g., authorization).
What is a response body?
The actual data returned from the API.
What is RESTful design?
Designing APIs using REST principles and standards.
What is an API client?
A tool or application that sends requests to an API.
What is Postman?
A tool used to test APIs.
What is Swagger?
A tool for API documentation and testing.
What is versioning in APIs?
Managing different versions of an API (e.g., v1, v2).
What is CORS?
A security feature that controls cross-origin requests.
Why are APIs important?
They enable integration and communication between systems.