Web API Interview Questions and Answers

Ques 11. Explain the purpose of the PATCH HTTP method.

PATCH is used to apply partial modifications to a resource. It is typically used when you want to update part of a resource without affecting the entire representation.

Example:

PATCH /users/1 {"name": "UpdatedName"}

Ques 12. What are the key differences between SOAP and RESTful Web Services?

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a protocol for exchanging structured information in web services, whereas REST is an architectural style. SOAP uses XML for message formatting, while REST commonly uses JSON. RESTful services are generally considered simpler and more scalable.

Ques 13. Explain the concept of rate limiting in the context of Web APIs.

Rate limiting is a mechanism used to control the number of requests a client can make to an API within a specified time frame. It helps prevent abuse, ensure fair usage, and protect the server from overload.

Ques 14. What is the purpose of the ETag header in HTTP responses?

ETag (Entity Tag) is a mechanism for web caching and conditional requests. It provides a way for the server to tag a resource with a unique identifier, allowing clients to check if the resource has been modified since a certain time.

Ques 15. Explain the concept of content negotiation in Web APIs.

Content negotiation is the process of selecting the appropriate representation of a resource based on the client's preferences. It involves using headers like 'Accept' and 'Content-Type' to specify the desired format for data exchange.