Cloud Architecture

REST in Cloud Computing

What Is REST in Cloud Computing?

REST is a type of software architecture used for developing web apps that provides interoperability between computer systems. REST stands for Representational State Transfer. Find out more about what REST is in cloud computing and why it’s useful.

Definition of REST in Cloud Computing

rest-in-cloud-computing-architectureREST is not a set of standards but a style of software architecture. Developers use it to implement web services that have a client to server protocol which is layered, stateless, and supports caching.

REST divides state and functionality into distributed resources. The internet as a whole is probably the best example of the implementation of the REST architecture.

The concept of REST was developed in 2000 by Roy Fielding, one of the people behind the HTTP protocol that is used to transfer data over the internet.

Characteristics of REST in Cloud Computing

The easiest way to understand REST is to look at the constraints it imposes. Web apps are said to be RESTful if they meet the following criteria:

  • The client and server are separated through a uniform interface.
  • Each client requests contains all the data necessary for the processing of the request so that the server does not have to store this data (client context).
  • Responses can be cached on the client’s computer to improve the speed with which the data can be accessed.
  • Clients can connect to the end server through an intermediate layer that allows for scalability.

Because of these constraints, RESTful systems are reliable while providing fast performance. They can also be managed and updated without affecting the system or requiring downtime while these operations are under way.

How Rest Works in Cloud Computing

rest-in-cloud-computing-apiCloud computing uses application program interfaces (APIs) that specify how different software components should interact. More specifically, APIs act as messengers between applications that deliver your request to the provider and then bring back the response to you.

Cloud APIs allow cloud-based and on-premise apps to share data in a way that can improve platform workloads. REST is generally considered more developer-friendly than Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), an older software architecture that contains more processing information and cannot be cached.

Using SOAP is often compared to sending a letter in an envelope. REST, on the other hand, is more like sending a postcard—it’s cheaper, faster, and can be read quicker.

Because cloud computing services are usually distributed, RESTful APIs allow for the easier implementation of cloud apps and services. Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) cloud service models use RESTfel APIs to deliver effective software solutions to users.

For example, a delivery business can use RESTful APIs to route drivers using Google Maps Coordinate service. By integrating the service with their own APIs, they can create an app that drivers can access on their mobile devices.

REST in Cloud Computing – Summary

REST can help you implement cloud computing services while maximizing system performance. REST allows for greater flexibility and smarter implementations of the cloud with your existing systems—or with apps you build from scratch. At the end of the day, REST is an effective approach to using cloud computing to your advantage

Popular – REST in Cloud Computing

  • Azure’s Cloud Service REST API – The Service Management API includes operations for managing the cloud services in your subscription.
  • Google Cloud API’s – Google Cloud APIs are programmatic interfaces to Google Cloud Platform services.
  • REST APIs and IBM Cloud – IBM tools and services can help you address important issues
  • Amazon AWS – Build a Serverless Web Application with AWS Lambda, Amazon API Gateway, AWS Amplify, Amazon DynamoDB, and Amazon Cognito

Edward Kuhn

Edward Kuhn is a software architect who leads technical teams across a diverse range of projects using various platforms for Insurance, Medical and Manufacturing Industries.

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