REST APIs are a big part of how websites and apps communicate with each other behind the scenes. Whether you’re working on a website or using a tool that pulls in real-time data, REST APIs help different systems "talk" by sending and receiving information over the internet. In web design and development, knowing what REST APIs are—and how they work—can make your life a lot easier, even if you’re not a coder. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What is a REST API?

A REST API (short for Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules that allows one piece of software to interact with another using HTTP methods—like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. It's commonly used to connect front-end applications (like a website) to back-end services or external platforms. For example, a weather app might use a REST API to pull current weather data from a central source.

The main idea behind REST is simplicity—it uses standard web protocols so developers don’t have to reinvent the wheel. This makes it easier for systems to be flexible, scalable, and easy to maintain.

How REST APIs work in web development

In web development, REST APIs help link your site to outside services and databases without having to hard-code everything. The API serves as a messenger, handling data requests and sending responses in a consistent format—usually JSON. When a user takes action (like submitting a form), the website may use a REST API to send that data somewhere else, like a CRM or payment processor.

For developers, REST APIs speed up the build process by letting them plug in features from other platforms. For businesses, it means your website can offer more features—like maps, search, or user accounts—without rebuilding them from scratch.

Common use cases for REST APIs

REST APIs are incredibly versatile and show up all over the web. Here are a few everyday examples:

• Integrating third-party tools: Want to add live chat, payment processing, or social media feeds to your site? REST APIs make that possible.
• Mobile app support: Mobile apps often use REST APIs to sync with your website’s data and keep everything consistent.
• Blog automation: If you use AI tools for blogging or scheduling content, there’s probably a REST API behind the scenes.
• Data exchange between platforms: CRMs, inventory management, and analytics tools all use REST APIs to keep your data connected and up to date.

Benefits of using REST APIs

REST APIs come with several advantages that make them a go-to solution in web development:

• Simplicity: They use basic HTTP methods that are easy to understand and widely supported.
• Scalability: REST APIs make it easier to grow your platform and connect to more tools over time.
• Flexibility: Front-end and back-end systems can evolve independently as long as they stick to the API's rules.
• Speed of development: Developers can integrate ready-made features faster instead of building everything from scratch.

This means even non-technical business owners benefit when their website is built on a flexible system that can grow with them.

REST APIs vs other types of APIs

While REST APIs are the most common, they’re not the only option out there. GraphQL is a newer API style that allows clients to request exactly the data they need, and nothing more. SOAP is an older, more strict API format that’s still used in some enterprise systems.

REST APIs tend to be the default choice because they are simple to implement and widely supported by web browsers and tools. For most modern web projects—especially when using a no-code or low-code website builder—REST is the easiest to work with.

FAQs about REST APIs

What does REST stand for?

REST stands for Representational State Transfer. It’s a set of principles for designing networked applications and is commonly used with HTTP to build APIs that connect different software.

What is the difference between REST API and API?

An API is a broad term that refers to any interface that lets software communicate. A REST API is a specific type of API that follows the REST principles and uses HTTP methods to interact with data.

Do I need to know REST APIs to build a website?

Not necessarily. Many modern platforms and website builders handle API connections behind the scenes. But understanding what REST APIs do can help you make better decisions when choosing tools or adding features.

Is REST API only used by developers?

Mostly, yes. But its benefits directly impact business owners and marketers, too—especially when it comes to automation, integrations, and improving user experience.

Can REST APIs affect my site's SEO?

Indirectly, yes. While REST APIs don’t impact SEO by themselves, they can power features like dynamic content or faster loading pages, which do influence SEO performance.

Build a website that plays nice with APIs

If you want a website that connects seamlessly with the tools you already use—whether it’s your CRM, booking system, or email platform—a flexible and modern site is a must. REST APIs help make that possible behind the scenes. And with B12's AI website builder, it's easy to create a professional site that grows with your business. Get started today and build a site that works smarter, not harder.