API is an abbreviation for Application Programming Interface. A Web API is a Web application programming interface. A Browser API can be used to enhance a web browser's functionality. A Server API can be used to enhance a web server's functionality.
A web API is a service that retrieves information or data from a server. It is critical for business growth. Here are some of the reasons why Web API is so important:
It is used to develop simple HTTP Services that are not SOAP-based. It is also a simple way to create with Web API. REST Services with WCF. It is HTTP-based and simple to define, expose, and consume RESTful services. It is a lightweight architecture that is excellent for devices with limited bandwidth, such as smartphones.
To suggest that ASP.NET Web API has completely replaced WCF is not entirely accurate. While Web API is the preferred solution for most new HTTP-based applications, WCF is still useful in some situations.
The following values can be returned by a Web API controller action:
The HTTP protocol is the primary protocol supported by Web API. This means that it makes use of the well-established and widely recognized HTTP standards for communication between clients and servers.
The following .NET frameworks enable Web API:
By default, Web API uses the open-source library Json.NET (also known as Newtonsoft.Json) for JSON serialization. It is a well-known, high-performance JSON framework that is commonly used in .NET applications.
By default, Web API returns an HTTP response with the status code 500 (Internal Server Error) for all uncaught errors. This general response indicates a server-side problem but does not provide the client with detailed details about the exception.
The inability to directly return non-200 status codes is the most significant downside of using "Other Return Types" in Web API.
While there is no direct class named "HtmlResponseMessage" in ASP.NET Web API, here are two common approaches for building HTTP responses with HTML content:
Web API Routing is the routing of incoming HTTP requests to the correct controller activities within a Web API application. It serves as a dispatcher, ensuring each request is routed to its proper destination.
SOAP is an XML messaging format that is commonly used in online service interactions. It supports sending messages via HTTP or JMS, but additional transport protocols are also supported. It is also an XML-based messaging system used to exchange data between computers.
REST is essential and advantageous in Web API for the following reasons:
Web API can be used with ASP.NET Web Forms. It consists of three easy steps:
Attribute programming is very important. It is simple to limit access to an ASP.NET Web API method to be called using a specific HTTP method.
Yes, you may utilize Web API with an ASP.Net web form. Because it comes with the ASP.NET MVC framework, it can be used with an ASP.NET Web Form.
To give an ASP.NET Web API action an alias name, use the [ActionName("alias")] attribute on the action method. If you're using custom routes, make sure your route template matches the alias.
Example:
ActionName("GetAllProducts")]
public IEnumerable GetProducts() { ... } TestApi is an API utility library. Using this library, tester developers can design testing tools and automated tests for .NET applications that use data structures and algorithms.
Exception filters are commonly used to manage all unhandled exceptions generated by web API. It conforms to the IExceptionFilters interface. It is the simplest and most adaptable to apply. This filter is run anytime the controller method throws an unhandled exception that is not a HttpResponseException at any level.
While direct exception filter registration from within an operation is not allowed, here are two effective approaches:
The view cannot be returned from the ASP.NET Web API function. The ASP.NET Web API creates HTTP services that deliver raw data or information. In an ASP.NET MVC application, the ApiController only renders data that has been serialized and sent to the client. A controller can be used to give standard views.
The following code can be used to register an exception filter globally:
GlobalConfiguration.Configuration.Filters.Add(new MyTestCustomerStore.NotImplExceptionFilterAttribute());REST stands for REpresentational State Transfer, and it is a completely new way of developing a web program.
RESTful services are those that are created using REST architectural concepts. It focuses on system resources and how the state of those resources should be transmitted via HTTP.
Routing is the process of matching a URI to a Web API operation. It aids in determining which action and controller to invoke. The controller is a class that handles HTTP requests and has public methods known as action methods.
Routing can be implemented in two ways:
Web API generally communicates over the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). This implies it employs HTTP methods to specify operations (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.), and HTTP status codes to indicate response outcomes, and often transfers data in formats like JSON or XML over HTTP.
The following are some popular frameworks for developing web-based API services:
Web API uses the Json.NET package for JSON serialization.
For all uncaught exceptions, Web API sends an HTTP response with the status code 500 Internal Server Error. This indicates a generic server-side fault without providing the client with specific data about the issue.
HttpError was used in Web API to throw error information in the response body. Along with this, you can use the "CreateErrorResponse" method, which is defined in the "HttpRequestMessageExtension."
Yes, you may utilize Web API 2 in any application, including Console Application, MVC, Angular JS, and others.
Error handling classes are accessible in Web API. HttpError, HttpResponseException, Exception Filters, and Registering Exception Filters are among them.
WCF services use the SOAP protocol, whereas Web API services use HTTP. Because SOAP is not used, Web API services are lightweight. It also minimizes the amount of data transferred to reestablish service. Furthermore, Web API services don't require excessive setup, and clients can interact with the service using HTTP verbs.
The MVC framework is used to create applications with user interfaces, using views to provide a user interface. WebAPI, on the other hand, is used to create HTTP services. Other programs can use the Web API methods to retrieve the data.
Web API can be used by any client that supports HTTP verbs like GET, PUT, DELETE, and POST. Web API services are relatively simple to consume because they do not require any configuration. Portable devices such as mobile devices can easily consume Web API, which is one of its significant advantages.
There are 8 HTTP methods:
ApiController specializes in returning data in a serialized form to be sent to the client.
public class TweetsController : ApiController
{
public List Get()
{
return Twitter.GetTweets();
}
}
Controller provides normal views and handles HTTP requests.
public class TweetsController : Controller
{
public ActionResult Index()
{
return Json(Twitter.GetTweets(), JsonRequestBehavior.AllowGet);
}
}
Internet Media Types (formerly known as MIME types) are used to specify the type of content on the web, such as what kind of data a piece of information contains. For instance, if we receive a file via email, the MIME type helps identify the content type of the attachment so that the browser can open the appropriate plugin for the content.
The structure for defining a media type is: [type]/[subtype]. For example:
No, Web API cannot return an HTML view. If you need to return views, it is best to use MVC instead.
The status code 204 is used to indicate "No Content" or an empty return type in Web API, meaning the response has no payload.
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is designed to store and transport data, whereas JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is used to store and exchange data, particularly in JavaScript. JSON is more lightweight and human-readable than XML, making it easier for developers to work with, especially in web applications.
To ensure optimal website performance and user experience, website owners strive to reduce automatic generation of error codes, such as 404. One way to avoid a 404 error is by redirecting users using a 301 code to an alternative page like the homepage. Additionally, creating custom error pages can help reduce bounce rates.
The Page.Validate() method is used to validate all controls on a page.
HTTP status codes are categorized into five classes:
Parameters in Web API can get values from:
The "api/" segment is used to avoid collisions with ASP.NET MVC routing, ensuring that Web API routes are distinct and properly handled.
ASP.NET developers should be familiar with the following skills: