REST API Tutorial #1 - What is a REST API?

Summary

In this tutorial, the basics of REST APIs are introduced, starting with the concepts of APIs and REST. The video explains how APIs act as programming interfaces for applications, similar to a remote control for a TV. It highlights the importance of understanding JavaScript, Node.js, and MongoDB for the course, though prior knowledge isn't essential. Key REST API properties are discussed, such as resource-based URLs, HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), and HTTP status codes. The tutorial culminates in building a REST API with Node.js, Express, and MongoDB, with a front-end interface to interact with the API.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure you have a basic understanding of JavaScript before starting the course, as it will be JavaScript-heavy.
• 😀 Node.js and MongoDB knowledge is helpful, but the course will guide you through setting them up from scratch.
• 😀 An API (Application Programming Interface) is like a remote control for interacting with an application programmatically.
• 😀 REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style that structures APIs with resource-based URLs and standard HTTP methods.
• 😀 REST APIs use HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to interact with resources and perform operations like retrieving, sending, updating, or deleting data.
• 😀 HTTP status codes such as 200 (OK), 404 (Not Found), and 500 (Server Error) are important for understanding API responses.
• 😀 Examples of popular APIs include YouTube, Google Maps, Twitter, and Uber APIs.
• 😀 A REST API typically returns JSON data, which can be consumed and used by other applications.
• 😀 The tutorial will teach how to create a REST API using Node.js, Express, and MongoDB, and test it with Postman.
• 😀 You will also learn how to create a simple front-end to interact with your API, like querying location-based data (latitude and longitude).
• 😀 Useful tools for this course include the Atom text editor and Commander (or CMD) for the command line interface.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the tutorial series?

The main focus of the tutorial series is teaching about REST APIs, with an emphasis on how to create a REST API using JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, and Express.

What background knowledge is recommended before starting this tutorial?

It is recommended to have a basic understanding of JavaScript, as the tutorial is JavaScript-heavy. Additionally, a basic grasp of Node.js and MongoDB would be helpful, though the instructor will guide you through the setup of these technologies.

What does API stand for, and what is its purpose?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. Its purpose is to provide a way for different software applications to interact with each other by exposing a set of endpoints through which developers can send requests and receive data.

What does REST stand for, and what does it define?

REST stands for Representational State Transfer. It is an architectural style that defines a set of guidelines for structuring and creating APIs that are scalable and stateless, typically using HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE.

How is the concept of an API explained in the tutorial using a TV example?

The instructor uses the example of a TV remote control to explain the concept of an API. Just as a remote control allows you to interact with a TV to change channels or adjust volume, an API provides an interface for software applications to interact with other applications by sending requests to specific endpoints.

Can you name some popular examples of APIs mentioned in the tutorial?

Some popular APIs mentioned in the tutorial include the YouTube API, Google Maps API, Twitter API, and Uber API. These APIs allow developers to integrate functionality like video search, map display, and ride booking into their own applications.

What are resource-based URLs in a REST API?

Resource-based URLs are used to identify specific resources within a REST API. These URLs point to data or services that can be accessed or modified. For example, a URL like /api/team/arsenal might return data about the Arsenal football team.

What HTTP methods are commonly used in REST APIs, and what are their functions?

The four main HTTP methods used in REST APIs are GET (retrieve data), POST (send new data), PUT (update existing data), and DELETE (remove data). These methods are used to interact with resources in various ways.

What do HTTP status codes indicate in the context of REST APIs?

HTTP status codes indicate the result of a request made to a REST API. For example, a 200 status code means the request was successful, a 404 indicates the requested resource was not found, and a 500 represents a server error.

What are the tools and technologies the instructor will use in the series?

The instructor will use Node.js, MongoDB, Express, and Postman to create and test the API. For coding, the instructor will use the Atom text editor, and for the command-line interface, they will use CMD or Command Prompt.