GET for reading resources in Rest API - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the GET method do in REST APIs?

GET is used to request and read data from a server without changing it. It retrieves information like reading a book without writing in it.

beginner

Is GET request safe and idempotent? What does that mean?

Yes, GET is safe because it does not change data on the server. It is idempotent because making the same GET request multiple times gives the same result without side effects.

beginner

How do you specify which resource to read in a GET request?

You use the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to point to the resource. For example, GET /books/123 reads the book with ID 123.

intermediate

Can GET requests have a body?

Usually, GET requests do not have a body. All information needed should be in the URL or query parameters.

beginner

What HTTP status code usually means a successful GET request?

Status code 200 means OK, which means the server successfully returned the requested resource.

What is the main purpose of a GET request in REST APIs?

A To delete data from the server

B To create new data on the server

C To read data from the server

D To update existing data on the server

GET requests are used to read or retrieve data without changing it.

Which HTTP status code indicates a successful GET request?

A 301

B 500

C 404

D 200

200 means OK, the resource was found and returned successfully.

Are GET requests supposed to change data on the server?

A No, they only read data

B Yes, always

C Sometimes, depends on the server

D Only if a body is sent

GET requests are safe and do not modify server data.

How do you specify which resource to get in a GET request?

A In the URL path or query parameters

B In the request body

C In the response headers

D By sending a POST first

The URL path or query parameters tell the server which resource to return.

What does it mean that GET requests are idempotent?

A They can only be sent once

B Multiple identical requests have the same effect as one

C They change data each time

D They require authentication

Idempotent means repeating the request does not change the result or server state.

Explain in your own words what a GET request does in REST APIs.

Think about how you read a book without writing in it.

Describe how you would use a GET request to retrieve a specific resource from a server.

Imagine asking a librarian for a specific book by its number.