Question

What is a 'RESTful API' and what are its key architectural constraints?

Q: Answer-What is a 'RESTful API' and what are its key architectural constraints?

REST Representational State Transfer uses standard HTTP methods GET retrieve, POST create, PUT updatereplace, PATCH partial update, DELETE remove. Resources identified by URIs e.g., apiaccounts12345. Stateless means each request contains all necessary context no server-side session state. Returns JSON or XML. Status codes indicate outcomes 200 OK, 201 Created, 404 Not Found, 401 Unauthorized. Banking APIs Account Aggregator, UPI, Open Banking extensively use REST. APIs must be secured with OAuth 2.0 HTTPS.

A A database query language for web applications; constraints include mandatory encryption and authentication

B A messaging protocol for asynchronous communication between web services; key constraints include statelessness, client-server separation, uniform interface and cacheability

C A remote procedure call protocol for inter-service communication; requires persistent connections

D An architectural style for distributed systems using HTTP; key constraints include statelessness, client-server separation, uniform interface, cacheability, layered system, and optional code-on-demand

E A security protocol for authenticating web service consumers

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