[Solved] What is the main purpose of an ETag in REST APIs? — Ans: To help clients check if the resource has changed since last fetch | Rest API

Rest API - Caching Strategies

What is the main purpose of an ETag in REST APIs?

ATo help clients check if the resource has changed since last fetch

BTo encrypt the data sent from server to client

CTo authenticate the client making the request

DTo specify the content type of the response

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand ETag role in REST
ETags are unique identifiers for resource versions, used to detect changes.
Step 2: Match purpose with options
Only To help clients check if the resource has changed since last fetch describes checking if resource changed, which is the ETag's purpose.
Final Answer:
To help clients check if the resource has changed since last fetch -> Option A
Quick Check:
ETag purpose = freshness check [OK]

Quick Trick: ETags track changes, not encrypt or authenticate [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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What is the main purpose of an ETag in REST APIs?