what are rest apis

A REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is an interface that conforms to the constraints of REST architectural style and allows for interaction with RESTful web services. REST is an acronym for REpresentational State Transfer and is a set of architectural constraints, not a protocol or a standard. RESTful web APIs are typically loosely based on HTTP methods to access resources via URL-encoded parameters and the use of JSON or XML to transmit data. RESTful APIs support secure, reliable, and efficient software communication standards, making them suitable for internet usage. RESTful APIs are used to exchange information securely over the internet between two computer systems. RESTful APIs are faster and more lightweight, with increased scalability, making them perfect for Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile app development. Unlike SOAP-based web services, there is no "official" standard for RESTful web APIs.