Master APIs
The Smart Way
Your comprehensive guide to understanding REST APIs, HTTP methods, and real-world implementation. Designed specifically for your learning journey.
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Core API Concepts
Master the building blocks of API development
What is an API?
Application Programming Interface - a bridge between different software applications
REST API
Representational State Transfer - stateless architecture using HTTP methods
JSON Format
JavaScript Object Notation - lightweight data interchange format
Endpoints
Specific URLs where API resources can be accessed
Status Codes
HTTP response codes indicating request success or failure
Authentication
Verifying identity and controlling access to API resources
HTTP Methods
Learn the five essential HTTP methods
Read Data
Retrieve information from the server without modifying it
Create Data
Send data to create new resources on the server
Replace Data
Replace entire resource with new data
Update Partially
Modify only specific fields of a resource
Remove Data
Delete resources from the server
PUT vs PATCH - The Critical Difference
PUT Method
- Replaces entire resource
- Must send ALL fields
- Missing fields become null/deleted
- Use for complete updates
PUT /users/1
{
"name": "SSS",
"email": "sss@example.com"
// Missing: phone → becomes null!
}
PATCH Method
- Updates specific fields only
- Send only fields to change
- Other fields stay unchanged
- Use for partial updates
PATCH /users/1
{
"name": "SSS"
// email & phone stay unchanged ✓
}
Interactive Exercises
Learn by doing with real API calls
Exercise 1: Fetch Users (GET)
Practice making GET requests to retrieve user data from the API
Exercise 2: Create Post (POST)
Learn to send data to the server to create new resources
Exercise 3: Update Data (PUT vs PATCH)
See the difference between PUT and PATCH methods
PUT - Replace All
PATCH - Update Specific
Exercise 4: Complete CRUD Application
Practice all HTTP methods in a full CRUD workflow
Interactive Quiz
Challenge yourself and track your progress
Viva Questions & Answers
Master the most common interview questions
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
HTTP Methods
- GET - Read
- POST - Create
- PUT - Replace
- PATCH - Update
- DELETE - Remove
Status Codes
- 200 - OK
- 201 - Created
- 400 - Bad Request
- 401 - Unauthorized
- 404 - Not Found
Auth vs Authorization
- Authentication: WHO are you?
- Authorization: WHAT can you do?
- Auth → 401 Error
- Authorization → 403 Error
Your Learning Progress
Overall Progress