REST constraints and principles in Rest API - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Which REST constraint ensures stateless communication?

In REST architecture, which constraint requires that each request from client to server must contain all the information needed to understand and process the request?

A Cacheable

B Stateless

C Client-Server

D Layered System

💡 Hint

Think about how the server treats each request independently.

The Stateless constraint means the server does not store any client context between requests. Each request must be self-contained.

❓ Predict Output

intermediate

What is the HTTP method used to update a resource completely in REST?

Given the REST principles, which HTTP method is typically used to replace an entire resource with new data?

A PUT

B POST

C GET

D PATCH

💡 Hint

This method replaces the entire resource, not just parts of it.

The PUT method is used to update or replace a resource completely. PATCH is for partial updates.

❓ Predict Output

advanced

What is the expected response status code after a successful DELETE request in REST?

After successfully deleting a resource using RESTful API, what HTTP status code should the server return?

A 404 Not Found

B 201 Created

C 200 OK

D 204 No Content

💡 Hint

The server confirms success but sends no content back.

204 No Content means the request was successful but there is no content to return, which is typical after a DELETE.

🧠 Conceptual

advanced

Which REST constraint improves scalability by enabling intermediaries to cache responses?

Which REST architectural constraint allows responses to be labeled as cacheable or non-cacheable to improve network efficiency and scalability?

A Uniform Interface

B Code on Demand

C Cacheable

D Stateless

💡 Hint

Think about how browsers and proxies store responses to reduce server load.

The Cacheable constraint allows responses to be stored and reused, reducing server load and improving performance.

🧠 Conceptual

expert

What principle does REST follow to separate client and server concerns?

Which REST constraint enforces a separation of concerns by keeping the user interface concerns separate from data storage concerns?

A Client-Server

B Stateless

C Layered System

D Uniform Interface

💡 Hint

This principle allows independent evolution of client and server.

The Client-Server constraint separates the user interface from data storage, allowing each to evolve independently.