Handling HTTP and REST APIs

opic Outline (30-min)

1. HTTP Basics:

   • Client-Server Relationship:

     • The client sends requests to the server, and the server responds with data.

     • Example: A browser requesting a webpage.

   • HTTP Methods:

     • GET: Retrieve data.

     • POST: Submit new data.

     • PUT: Update existing data.

     • DELETE: Remove data.

   • HTTP Status Codes and Headers:

     • Status Codes:

       • 200: OK

       • 201: Created

       • 400: Bad Request

       • 404: Not Found

       • 500: Internal Server Error

     • Headers:

       • Content-Type: Specifies the type of data being sent (e.g., application/json).

2. REST API Design Principles:

   • Resource-Based Design:

     • Each resource is identified by a URL (e.g., /users, /tasks/1).

   • Statelessness:

     • Each request contains all the necessary information for the server to process it.

   • Data Format:

     • JSON is the preferred format for exchanging data in REST APIs.

3. Debugging HTTP Requests:

   • Inspecting Requests and Responses:

     • Use developer tools in the browser or terminal logs to view HTTP traffic.

   • Using Postman:

     • Test and debug HTTP requests with a graphical interface.