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API terminology

Understanding common API terms is crucial for effective communication:

  • Endpoint: A specific URL where an API can be accessed.
  • Resource: An object or representation of something, which has data associated with it.
  • Request: The message sent to the server to retrieve or modify data.
  • Response: The data sent back from the server after processing a request.
  • Query Parameters: Additional parameters added to the end of an API URL.
  • Headers: Additional information sent with requests or responses.
  • Payload: The actual data sent with a request or returned in a response.
  • Rate Limiting: Restrictions on the number of requests a client can make to an API in a given timeframe.