Curriculum
REST API is one of the most widely used technologies in Salesforce Integration and modern application development. Understanding REST API enables Salesforce developers to connect Salesforce with websites, mobile applications, ERP systems, CRM platforms, payment gateways, and third-party services.
REST API stands for Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface. It is a lightweight, scalable, and flexible architecture that uses HTTP methods and JSON data formats to exchange information between systems.
Learning REST API is essential because most modern integrations rely on REST-based communication. Salesforce provides powerful REST API capabilities that allow external systems to create, retrieve, update, and delete records securely.
Mastering REST API helps developers build enterprise-grade integrations and modern cloud applications.
REST API is an architectural style used for communication between applications over the internet.
REST API uses:
It enables systems to exchange information efficiently.
Without REST API:
System A
×
System B
↓
No CommunicationWith REST API:
System A
↔
REST API
↔
Salesforce
↓
Data ExchangeREST API simplifies integration.
Uses minimal resources.
Efficient communication.
Works with multiple platforms.
Supports enterprise applications.
Supports various technologies.
These benefits make REST API popular.
REST means:
Representational
State
TransferIt is an architectural approach rather than a programming language.
The architecture follows:
Client
↓
HTTP Request
↓
REST API
↓
Server
↓
HTTP ResponseThis model is used worldwide.
The system requesting information.
Examples:
The system providing information.
Example:
SalesforceSalesforce often acts as a REST API server.
Client Sends Request
↓
Salesforce Processes Request
↓
Response ReturnedThis is the standard process.
REST APIs consist of:
Each component has a specific role.
An endpoint is a URL used to access resources.
Example:
https://instance.salesforce.com/services/dataEndpoints identify resources.
Example:
/services/data/v61.0/Salesforce uses versioned endpoints.
A resource represents data.
Examples:
Resources are accessed through endpoints.
REST API uses standard HTTP methods.
Retrieve data.
Create data.
Update data.
Modify data.
Remove data.
These methods perform CRUD operations.
Used to retrieve information.
Example:
GET Student RecordOutput:
{
"name":"Rahul"
}GET does not modify data.
Used to create records.
Example:
POST Student RecordInput:
{
"name":"Rahul"
}Output:
Record CreatedPOST creates new resources.
Used to update an entire resource.
Example:
PUT Student RecordThe existing resource is replaced.
Used to update specific fields.
Example:
PATCH Email FieldOnly selected data is modified.
Used to remove records.
Example:
DELETE Student RecordThe resource is deleted.
REST APIs commonly use:
JSONJSON is lightweight and easy to read.
{
"name":"Rahul",
"course":"Salesforce"
}JSON is widely used in REST APIs.
A REST request contains:
These elements define the request.
POST
/api/studentBody:
{
"name":"Rahul"
}This creates a student record.
A response contains:
These elements describe the outcome.
Common status codes include:
Success
Created
Bad Request
Unauthorized
Not Found
Server Error
These codes indicate request results.
{
"id":"001",
"success":true
}The operation completed successfully.
{
"error":"Unauthorized"
}The request failed.
Headers provide additional information.
Examples:
Headers help process requests.
Example:
application/jsonIndicates JSON data format.
Example:
Bearer AccessTokenUsed for authentication.
Salesforce REST API allows:
This supports enterprise integrations.
Retrieve Account Records:
GET
/services/data/
v61.0/sobjects/
AccountSalesforce returns account information.
SELECT Name
FROM AccountResults can be returned through REST endpoints.
Postman is commonly used for:
Developers frequently use Postman.
Security mechanisms include:
Security protects data.
Website
↓
REST API
↓
Salesforce
↓
DatabaseThis architecture is widely used.
A software training institute website submits student registrations.
Workflow:
Website Form
↓
REST API
↓
Salesforce
↓
Student Record CreatedThe process is automated.
These advantages drive adoption.
These practices improve reliability.
Developers should avoid these issues.
Understanding REST API helps professionals:
REST API is one of the most important Salesforce integration skills.
REST API is a lightweight integration technology that uses HTTP methods, JSON data, endpoints, and authentication mechanisms to enable communication between Salesforce and external systems. By understanding REST API concepts such as requests, responses, status codes, headers, and CRUD operations, developers can build scalable, secure, and enterprise-ready Salesforce integrations. Mastering REST API is essential for modern Salesforce development and integration projects.
REST API is an architectural style used for communication between systems using HTTP and JSON.
REST stands for Representational State Transfer.
JSON is the most commonly used data format.
GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE are common HTTP methods.
REST API enables Salesforce to integrate with external applications and services.
Yes, when used with HTTPS, OAuth, access tokens, and proper authentication mechanisms.
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