Course Description
One of REST's strongest benefits is that it is built on the same core principles that power the internet. This involves the HTTP protocol, the standard transport mechanism for virtually all web traffic. HTTP is a sophisticated protocol, but it has several hallmark characteristics that are easy to learn. You will learn about HTTP fundamentals as well as those of HTTPS, the secure form of HTTP.
HTTP headers are critical containers of metadata required to process requests and responses successfully. They cover a wide range of categories and can have a dramatic effect on what is sent and received. These lessons will explore the most common headers and their relevant and applicable uses.
Also critical for the operation of any HTTP communication is the concept of status codes. Responses always are accompanied by a status code that is numbered according to a standard list of conditions, and using status codes allows REST clients to quickly and accurately determine the nature of the response and dictate any actions that must be taken.
What You'll Learn
- Describe the HTTP protocol and how it supports REST APIs
- Explain the fundamentals of HTTPS, the secure form of HTTP
- Identify the most common types of HTTP headers and describe their significance
- Recognize how HTTP headers affect what is sent and received in requests and responses
- List the most common types of HTTP status codes and explain their numbering system
- Use status codes to determine the nature of a response and any required actions
Key Takeaways
- REST is built on the same core principles that power the internet, including the HTTP protocol used as the standard transport mechanism for virtually all web traffic.
- HTTPS is the secure form of HTTP.
- HTTP headers are critical containers of metadata required to process requests and responses successfully, and they can have a dramatic effect on what is sent and received.
- Responses are always accompanied by a status code numbered according to a standard list of conditions.
- Using status codes allows REST clients to quickly and accurately determine the nature of a response and dictate any actions that must be taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this course cover?
The course covers HTTP fundamentals and HTTPS (the secure form of HTTP), HTTP headers and their uses, and HTTP status codes and how their numbering system categorizes responses. Lessons include HTTP, HTTP Headers, and HTTP Status Codes.
What will I be able to do after taking this course?
You will be able to describe the HTTP protocol and how it supports REST APIs, list the most common types of HTTP headers and describe their significance, and list the most common types of HTTP status codes and explain how the numbering system helps categorize them.
Why is HTTP important for REST APIs?
One of REST's strongest benefits is that it is built on the same core principles that power the internet, including the HTTP protocol, the standard transport mechanism for virtually all web traffic.
What skills does this course help build?
The course is associated with skills in API Design, HTTP Headers, HTTP Protocols, REST API Development, REST Client, and RESTful API.
Why are HTTP status codes useful?
Responses always include a status code numbered according to a standard list of conditions, which allows REST clients to quickly and accurately determine the nature of the response and dictate any actions that must be taken.
