REST

Jobs requiring expertise in REST (Representational State Transfer) are centered on designing and building web services, a core task for many back-end PHP developers. REST is an architectural style that defines a set of constraints for creating scalable, stateless, and reliable APIs. These APIs are the backbone of modern applications, enabling communication between the server, web clients, and mobile apps.

Building RESTful APIs with PHP

A PHP developer in a REST-focused role is responsible for the entire lifecycle of an API. This includes designing logical, resource-based endpoints, implementing CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations using the correct HTTP methods (POST, GET, PUT, DELETE), and ensuring data is returned in a standard format, most commonly JSON. They also handle aspects like authentication, authorization, validation, and error handling.

Key Concepts and Frameworks

Proficiency in building REST APIs with PHP requires a solid understanding of web architecture and specific tools:

• HTTP Protocol: Deep knowledge of HTTP verbs, status codes, and headers.
• Statelessness: Ensuring each request contains all necessary information.
• PHP Frameworks: Strong experience with Laravel, Symfony, or a micro-framework like Lumen or Slim for rapid API development.
• API Security: Implementing authentication mechanisms like OAuth 2.0 or JWT.