Volume 2 - Chapter 23: Understanding REST and JSON

Question 1

What are the 6 attributes of a REST-Based (RESTful) API?

Answer 1

1. Client/Server architecture
2. Stateless operation
3. Client statement of cacheable/uncacheable
4. Uniform interface
5. Layered
6. Code-on-demand

Question 2

True or False:

HTTP is required for an API to be considered RESTful.

Answer 2

False; while HTTP/HTTPS is common, it is not a requirement for an API to be considered RESTful.

Question 3

Describe how the client/server model functions with a RESTful API.

Answer 3

1. A REST client makes an API REST call to the REST server
2. The REST server returns a response to the client

Question 4

Describe how a stateless operation works with a RESTful API.

Answer 4

APIs that are considered RESTful are stateless; they do not track or keep information about previous API calls or request.

REST servers do not make decisions based on previous requests.

Question 5

How does the function of “cacheable/uncacheable” content fit in with RESTful APIs?

Answer 5

1. REST APIs must clearly mark content as cacheable or uncacheable
2. If cacheable, a clear timer must be established for when the content needs to be downloaded again

Question 6

In regards to Python and other scripting languages, describe the difference between a list and a dictionary.

Answer 6

A list is a list of multiple values

A dictionary is a list of matching key:value pairs

Question 7

The following diagram is an example of a ____.

Answer 7

Dictionary, that contains multiple key:value pairs.

Question 8

The following diagram is an example of a ____.

Answer 8

List