REST API between services in Microservices - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a REST API in the context of microservices?

A REST API is a way for microservices to communicate over the internet using simple HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. It uses URLs to access resources and exchanges data usually in JSON format.

intermediate

Why use REST APIs between microservices instead of direct database access?

REST APIs provide a clear boundary between services, allowing each to manage its own data and logic. This reduces tight coupling, improves security, and makes the system easier to maintain and scale.

beginner

What HTTP methods are commonly used in REST APIs and what do they represent?

Common HTTP methods are GET (read data), POST (create data), PUT (update data), and DELETE (remove data). These map to basic actions on resources in REST APIs.

intermediate

How does statelessness in REST APIs help microservices?

Statelessness means each request from a client to a service contains all information needed to understand and process it. This makes services easier to scale and recover because they don't rely on stored session data.

advanced

What are some common challenges when designing REST APIs between microservices?

Challenges include handling network failures, versioning APIs without breaking clients, securing communication, managing data consistency, and ensuring good performance under load.

Which HTTP method is typically used to update an existing resource in a REST API?

A GET

B POST

C PUT

D DELETE

PUT is used to update an existing resource or create it if it does not exist.

What does it mean that REST APIs are stateless?

A Each request contains all information needed to process it

B They keep connections open permanently

C They require cookies to work

D They store user sessions on the server

Stateless means the server does not store client context between requests.

Why is using REST APIs better than direct database access between microservices?

A REST APIs are slower but easier to hack

B REST APIs create tight coupling between services

C Direct database access is more secure

D REST APIs provide clear boundaries and improve maintainability

REST APIs help keep services independent and easier to manage.

Which data format is most commonly used to exchange data in REST APIs?

A JSON

B CSV

C XML

D YAML

JSON is lightweight and easy to use, making it the most common format.

What is a common way to handle different versions of a REST API?

A Change the API without notice

B Use version numbers in the URL or headers

C Only support one version forever

D Use different HTTP methods for versions

Versioning in URLs or headers allows clients to choose which API version to use.

Explain how REST APIs enable communication between microservices and why statelessness is important.

Think about how each request carries all needed info and how services talk over HTTP.

Describe common challenges when designing REST APIs for microservices and how to address them.

Consider what can go wrong when services talk and how to keep them working smoothly.