Resource identifiers in URLs in Rest API - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a resource identifier in a URL?

A resource identifier in a URL is the part that specifies the exact resource you want to access on a server, like a user, product, or article.

beginner

Why do REST APIs use resource identifiers in URLs?

REST APIs use resource identifiers in URLs to clearly point to specific data or objects, making it easy to find, update, or delete them.

beginner

Example: In the URL https://api.example.com/users/123, what does 123 represent?

123 is the resource identifier that points to a specific user with ID 123.

intermediate

How should resource identifiers be structured in URLs?

Resource identifiers should be simple, unique, and human-readable when possible, often using numbers or strings to identify resources clearly.

beginner

What is the difference between a resource and a resource identifier in a URL?

A resource is the actual data or object (like a user or product), while the resource identifier is the part of the URL that points to that specific resource.

In REST APIs, what does the resource identifier in a URL do?

A Specifies the data format

B Defines the server location

C Specifies the exact resource to access

D Sets the HTTP method

The resource identifier tells the API which specific resource you want to work with.

Which part of this URL is the resource identifier? <br>https://api.shop.com/products/456

A 456

B products

C https://api.shop.com

D shop.com

The number 456 identifies the specific product resource.

Why is it important for resource identifiers to be unique?

A To encrypt the data

B To speed up the internet

C To change the server location

D To avoid confusion between different resources

Unique identifiers ensure each resource can be found without mix-ups.

Which HTTP method usually uses resource identifiers to delete a resource?

A DELETE

B GET

C POST

D PUT

DELETE requests target a resource identified by the URL to remove it.

What is a good practice for resource identifiers in URLs?

A Use long random strings

B Use simple and readable IDs

C Include spaces and special characters

D Use only uppercase letters

Simple and readable IDs make URLs easier to understand and use.

Explain what a resource identifier is and why it is important in REST API URLs.

Think about how URLs point to specific data.

Describe how you would structure a URL to access a specific product in an online store API.

Use a simple example with product ID.