REST
Representational State Transfer: a style for networked software to communicate using standard web protocols like HTTP.
REST, which stands for Representational State Transfer, is a set of rules for how computer programs can talk to each other over the internet. Think of it like a standardized way for different software applications to ask for and send information.
When you use an app on your phone that gets data from a server, like checking the weather or getting updates, it's often using REST. The app sends a request, and the server sends back the information it needs, all using common web language.
REST is an architectural style that defines a set of constraints for designing networked applications. It leverages existing web standards, primarily HTTP, to facilitate communication between clients and servers. Key principles include statelessness, where each request from a client to a server must contain all the information needed to understand and complete the request, and the use of standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform operations on resources identified by URIs.
REST, a common way for software to communicate, is relevant as AI labs like Google Gemini update their API documentation. This indicates a focus on making AI models accessible and usable through standard web protocols, which is crucial for integrating AI into existing applications and workflows.
- Gemini API Cookbook: docs(quickstarts): add Next steps sections to four REST quickstarts (#1415)Google · Gemini API Cookbook ·
- Google Gemini
- Google Gemini is improving its API documentation, specifically mentioning REST quickstarts, to help developers use its AI features.
- SOAP
- A messaging protocol specification for exchanging structured information i
- RPC
- Remote Procedure Call is a protocol that allows a program to cause a subrou
REST was first described by Roy Fielding in his 2000 doctoral dissertation at the University of California, Irvine. It was based on his work on the HTTP protocol. Source ↗
You can see REST in action by using your web browser to visit a simple API endpoint, like one that provides public data. For example, try entering a URL for a public weather API into your browser's address bar and observe the data returned, often in JSON format.
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- PromptRole-play a student struggling with math for AI tutor simulationSimulate a student's math struggles and uncertainty for AI tutor evaluation. · 5 min
- TemplateReusable workflow templates for healthcare teamsTeams can create and share templates for common workflows like documentation or prior authorizations. · 15 min
- TemplateTemplate for building an AI tool tailored to your workA structured approach to defining and building a custom AI tool for specific business needs. · 15 min
- TemplateEvals CSV prompt list for agent skillsA CSV file template for listing prompts used in evaluating agent skills. · 20 min
- HeuristicDouble coding agent task completion with docs linksProviding coding agents with a documentation link significantly increases their task completion rate. · 2 min
Questions people ask
- What is the main benefit of using REST?
- REST promotes simplicity, scalability, and interoperability by using standard web protocols and conventions, making it easier for different systems to communicate.
- Is REST a protocol or an architecture?
- REST is an architectural style, a set of principles for designing networked applications, rather than a strict protocol.
First seen on Subvolts Oct 9, 2026. Updated Oct 16, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.