REST API
A REST API (Representational State Transfer) is an HTTP interface that organizes access to data and actions as resources addressable by URL, manipulated with standard HTTP verbs. Payloads are often JSON. It is the most common API style for connecting front ends, mobile apps, and third-party services.
When a web project says « we'll expose an API », it almost always means a REST API: the Next.js front end consumes `/users`, `/invoices`, a partner integrates via documented endpoints. Designed well (versioning, pagination, clear error codes, authentication), it becomes the durable contract between teams and systems.
Calling « REST » a disguised RPC API (a single POST URL that does everything) creates confusion and fragile clients. Another mistake: breaking compatibility without versioning, forcing every consumer to upgrade at once. A useful REST API is stable, documented, and evolves additively whenever possible.
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