REST APIs with Flask

REST APIs with Flask involves using the lightweight Python web framework, Flask, to build web services that adhere to the principles of Representational State Transfer (REST). This architectural style leverages standard HTTP methods—such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE—to enable client applications to perform create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) operations on server-side resources. Flask's simplicity and extensibility make it an excellent choice for rapidly developing scalable and maintainable APIs, which serve as the backend communication layer for web front-ends, mobile applications, and other services.

1. Introduction to APIs and Web Services
   1. Definition of an API
      1. Purpose and Benefits
      2. Role in Software Communication
      3. API as a Contract
   2. Types of APIs
      1. Web APIs
      2. Library APIs
      3. Operating System APIs
      4. Hardware APIs
   3. Overview of Web Services
      1. Definition and Characteristics
      2. Service-Oriented Architecture
      3. Distributed Systems Concepts
   4. RESTful vs SOAP Web Services
      1. Architectural Differences
      2. Performance Considerations
      3. Use Case Scenarios
   5. Client-Server Architecture
      1. Roles of Client and Server
      2. Stateless Communication
      3. Separation of Concerns
   6. Request-Response Cycle
      1. Structure of a Request
      2. Structure of a Response
      3. Sequence of Events in API Calls
      4. Timeout and Error Handling