AskHandle

REST API

A REST API is an application programming interface that lets software systems exchange data and trigger actions over HTTP.

REST APIs are commonly used to connect applications, retrieve information, create records, update data, and integrate services.

What Is a REST API?

REST stands for Representational State Transfer.

A REST API usually organizes information around resources.

Examples include:

  • Users
  • Orders
  • Messages
  • Appointments
  • Products
  • Support tickets

Software sends HTTP requests to defined endpoints that represent those resources.

Common HTTP Methods

GET

Retrieves information.

Example:

GET /orders/123

POST

Creates a new resource or triggers an action.

Example:

POST /appointments

PUT

Replaces an existing resource.

PATCH

Updates part of an existing resource.

DELETE

Removes a resource.

The exact behavior depends on the API design.

REST API Endpoints

An endpoint is a specific API address for a resource or operation.

Examples include:

  • /users
  • /orders
  • /rooms
  • /messages

Applications send requests to these endpoints.

Request and Response

A REST API interaction usually includes:

Request

The client sends:

  • HTTP method
  • Endpoint
  • Headers
  • Authentication
  • Optional request body

Response

The server returns:

  • Status code
  • Headers
  • Data
  • Error information when applicable

JSON is a common response format.

REST API Authentication

APIs often require authentication.

Common methods include:

  • API keys
  • OAuth
  • Access tokens
  • Signed requests

Authentication controls which systems are allowed to access the API.

REST API vs. Webhook

A REST API is usually request-driven.

One system asks another system for information or triggers an action.

A Webhook is event-driven.

The source system automatically sends information when an event occurs.

Example:

API: "What is the current order status?"

Webhook: "The order status just changed."

The two are often used together.

REST API vs. API Integration

API Integration describes the process of connecting systems through APIs.

A REST API is one technical interface used to create that connection.

REST APIs and AI Agents

An AI Agent can use APIs to access live systems.

Examples include:

  • Check appointment availability
  • Retrieve customer information
  • Create a support record
  • Look up an order
  • Update a CRM

The API gives the agent access to information beyond the model's built-in knowledge.

REST APIs and Tool Calling

Tool Calling can expose API operations to an AI agent as tools.

For example:

  • get_order_status
  • create_booking
  • find_customer

The agent decides when the tool is needed.

The integration layer performs the actual API request.

REST API Error Handling

Reliable integrations should handle:

  • Invalid authentication
  • Missing records
  • Rate limits
  • Timeouts
  • Invalid input
  • Server errors

The AI should not assume an API action succeeded if the system returned an error.

REST API Security

Good API security can include:

  • Authentication
  • Authorization
  • Encryption
  • Input validation
  • Rate limiting
  • Logging
  • Least-privilege access

AI workflows should only receive access to the operations they actually need.

REST API in AskHandle

AskHandle provides REST API capabilities for programmatic integration.

The API can be used to work with conversation resources such as rooms and messages.

This allows external applications to connect AskHandle conversations to broader software workflows.

Related Terms

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