Frontend System Design Course
Frontend System Design
/
Beginner

REST APIs

Definition

REST uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and noun-based URLs (`/users/123`) to interact with resources. It is stateless and highly cacheable.

Explain Like I'm New

REST is a standard menu at a restaurant. You ask for Item #4, and the kitchen brings you exactly Item #4.

Interview Questions

basic

  • What is the core concept of REST APIs?
  • What are the pros and cons of REST APIs?

intermediate

  • How does REST APIs impact SEO and initial page load times?
  • When would you NOT choose to use REST APIs?

advanced

  • How does REST APIs fit into a heavily scaled microservices architecture?
  • What are the security implications of REST APIs?

trick

  • Can you combine REST APIs with other rendering strategies on the same page?

Flash Cards

Question

Define REST APIs.

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Answer

REST APIs is a critical architectural pattern in frontend design.

Question

What is the main tradeoff of REST APIs?

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Answer

Usually a tradeoff between Server CPU usage, TTFB (Time to First Byte), and Client CPU usage.