Idempotency in REST APIs

Idempotence is sometimes a confusing concept, especially when you try to understand the academic definition. However, understanding what makes a REST API operation idempotent is simple with the concept introduced in this short, somewhat humorous look at Idempotency in Cows & REST APIs…

 

Introduction to REST (Revisited)

I get a lot of questions around RESTful practices and I see a lot of confusion out there in REST API land about what REST really means, is, and how to implement it.  Last November 2012, I talked at the Pearson Technology Summit in Denver, Colorado.  The talk is entitled “Instant REST Services with RESTExpress” but spends some time during the first have to revisit the six REST architectural constraints.  While the lapel mic was giving me troubles and causing some noise on the recording, the content is definitely understandable.  Enjoy.

[youtube http://youtu.be/XcNDRr5zaI0]

 

The Six Constraints of the RESTful Architectural Style are:

  • Uniform Interface
  • Stateless
  • Client-Server
  • Layered System
  • Cacheable
  • Code on Demand