API Integration Basics Quiz

API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It defines the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information, enabling seamless integration and functionality across different systems.

The GET method is used to request data from a specified resource on a server. It retrieves information without altering any data, making it ideal for fetching resources like web pages or images. Unlike other methods, such as POST or PUT, GET is designed solely for data retrieval, ensuring the server's state remains unchanged.

REST, or Representational State Transfer, is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It relies on stateless communication and standard HTTP methods to facilitate interactions between clients and servers, enabling efficient data exchange and manipulation. This approach emphasizes scalability, simplicity, and the use of resources in a uniform manner.

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is widely used for API data exchange due to its lightweight, easy-to-read format that is compatible with most programming languages. Its structure allows for efficient data serialization and deserialization, making it ideal for web applications and services, where speed and simplicity are crucial.

An API endpoint is a specific URL that allows applications to interact with an API. It serves as a point of entry for requests, enabling data exchange between different software systems. By directing requests to these endpoints, developers can access specific functionalities or resources provided by the API.

Bearer Token authentication involves issuing a token to the user after they log in. This token is then sent with each subsequent request in the HTTP headers, allowing the server to verify the user's identity and permissions without requiring repeated logins. It enhances security by minimizing the exposure of user credentials.

CORS, or Cross-Origin Resource Sharing, is a security feature implemented in web browsers that allows or restricts web applications from making requests to a domain different from the one that served the web page. It enables secure interactions between different origins while preventing unauthorized access to resources.

HTTP status code 200 signifies that a request has been successfully processed by the server. It indicates that the server has returned the requested resource without any errors, confirming that the communication between the client and server was successful. This status code is commonly associated with successful GET requests.

A webhook is a mechanism in API integration that allows one system to send real-time data to another when a specific event occurs. Unlike traditional APIs that require polling for updates, webhooks automatically notify the receiving system, enabling immediate action based on the event, thus improving efficiency and responsiveness.

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) supports specific data types, including strings, numbers, objects, arrays, booleans, and null. Among the options provided, "String" is a valid JSON data type, as it represents text data enclosed in double quotes, while the other options do not conform to JSON standards.

API keys serve as unique identifiers that allow systems to authenticate and authorize users or applications accessing an API. By requiring an API key, the service can verify the identity of the requester, ensuring that only legitimate users can access the resources, thus enhancing security and control over the API usage.

The PUT method is an HTTP request used to update an existing resource on a server. When a client sends a PUT request, it typically includes the updated data, and the server replaces the current resource with this new representation. This method is idempotent, meaning multiple identical requests will have the same effect as a single request.