Important API Terms Every Developer Should Know
Master these to build, scale, and secure your APIs like a pro.
1. Request
A client's message to the server, asking to perform an operation.
2. Response
The server’s answer, containing data or status based on the request.
3. Endpoint
A specific URL path where an API function or resource is accessed.
4. HTTP Methods
Verbs like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE that define actions on data.
5. Status Code
A number indicating the result: 200 OK, 404 Not Found, 500 Server Error.
6. Payload
The actual data sent in the request/response body, often in JSON.
7. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
A lightweight format for data exchange in APIs.
8. Authentication
Confirms who is accessing the API (e.g., API keys, OAuth).
9. Authorization
Confirms what the user/system is allowed to do after auth.
10. REST
A style of building APIs with stateless, resource-based design.
11. API Gateway
A traffic controller that secures, routes, and monitors API calls.
12. SDK (Software Development Kit)
Prebuilt tools/libraries to help developers interact with APIs.
13. Webhooks
Server-to-server callbacks that push real-time updates.
14. Rate Limiting
Sets a max limit on API calls to prevent abuse.
15. Throttling
Slows or blocks requests when usage exceeds thresholds.