Groking HTTP Methods
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HTTP Methods How They Relate to RESTful API's
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We have probably all heard of REST. It is currently the popular way to create APIs for internal and/or external use. Virtually all RESTful API’s are built on top of HTTP. Thus, it is important to understand how the different HTTP methods work. They are key to creating a solid RESTful API and offer so much more than simple CRUD. We will be taking a deep-dive into the HTTP methods and coming away with a solid understanding of they function.
Transcript of Groking HTTP Methods
HTTP MethodsHow They Relate to RESTful API's
About Me
Herman J. Radtke III
Web Architect at HauteLookDesign the RESTful API
Writing PHP for 9 years
Maintain pecl/gearman and pecl/memcache
Perspective
HauteLook's API is for internal useVery few restrictions on designExample: Netflix
Many companies have an external APIConcerned with how the design affects other clients (ex: flash)Examples: Twilio, Jira, Facebook
Why?
REST is an architectural style
RESTful Language
HTTP Methods are verbsURLs are nouns
Example: GET /users/1234
Logging Out
POST /logoutPOST is for createMeans: Create a logout resource
DELETE /logoutDELETE is to remove a resourceMeans: Delete a logout resource
DELETE /credentials
GET vs POST
Do we actually know the differences?
GET vs POST
I ask every interviewee this question.
Common answers:GET does not send a body in the request
POST can send more data
POST is more secure
Idempotence
Idempotence means no side-effects.
This is the most important difference!GET is idempotent (safe)POST is not idempotent (unsafe)
It allows the web to scale.
Improper use of GET
<a href=”/logout.php”>Logout</a>
We just broke the internetCaching proxiesBrowser "accelerator" plugins
Better to use a form with the POST method
Other example: Tracking Pixels
POST vs PUT
POST is create and PUT is update, right?
Not so simpleMethods do not map to CRUDCRUD can map to the methods
Key difference?PUT is idempotent!
Create Using POST
Create Using PUT
Update Using POST 1/2
Update Using POST 2/2
Update Using PUT
Other HTTP Methods
PATCH
DELETE
HEAD
OPTIONS
Additional Resources
RFC 2616 Method Definitions - http://www.w3.org/Protocols/rfc2616/rfc2616-sec9.html
#rest on freenode
My twitter - @hermanradtke
