REST APIs

In this section, we will cover the basics of REST APIs, including how to design and implement them using Spring Boot. By the end of this section, you should have a good understanding of how to build and consume REST APIs.

Before class

Practical requirements

• Make sure you have JDK 25 installed (otherwise download it from: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/#java25)
• Download Postman here:** https://www.postman.com/downloads/
• Make sure you can open and run a simple Spring Boot project (we are using Spring Boot 4)
• Make sure you have MySQL installed

Recommended reading and videos

• Introduction to REST API: https://youtu.be/-mN3VyJuCjM?si=ZxR2O04z5gcKh703
• What is JSON?: https://youtu.be/cj3h3Fb10QY?si=sKcG4sDePYrMe97_
• Tutorial (REST APIs with Spring Boot), the interesting part starts from around 8:58: https://youtu.be/klnxzL8oQdM?si=Us1tbZ8UU_ofj2eL&t=538
  note

  In the video, Java Records are used (we will cover that next time) Code along, and take notes on what you find difficult to understand.

Extra resources

During class

We will use these 📄 REST APIs slides (PDF) and you will have time to do the exercises.

Demos used in class:

• TBD

After class

Finish the exercises.