Develop the practical skills needed to design, build and maintain RESTful services and clients. Combining theory with hands-on implementation using modern tools, this training helps improve API design, integration and performance in real-world development environments.
REST APIs
Practical REST API skills for developers
This two-day course is aimed at developers who want to strengthen their understanding of REST architecture and implementation. It covers the full lifecycle of REST API development, from core principles through to service creation, client interaction and optimisation. Using your preferred programming language, you’ll build the ability to design scalable APIs and solve real development challenges. Ideal for those with coding experience looking to apply REST principles more effectively in day-to-day work.
Learning objectives
- Understand core REST principles
- Build services in your preferred language
- Develop REST clients using libraries
- Apply caching and compression techniques
- Explore the Richardson Maturity Model
- Handle query and data challenges
- Implement authentication methods
- Use versioning and HATEOAS
Key facts
Ideal for
This is a skills and knowledge-based course with no formal accreditation.
Who it’s for
This course is designed for developers working with RESTful services using Java, Python or JavaScript.
Prerequisites
This course requires basic experience with at least one programming language such as Java, Python or JavaScript.
Exam information
This course does not include an exam.
Optional extras
There are no optional extras for this course.
Pre-course
No preparation work is required for this course.
Course syllabus
Dive into the detail of the course by looking at the syllabus below.
Day one
- Session 1: PREREQUISITES
- APIs
- Web apps
- Web services
- HTTP
- JSON
- Serialisation
Day one
- Session 2: REST THEORY
- What is a REST API?
- Guiding principles/constraints
- Resources
- Methods
- Naming
Day one
- Session 3: REST SERVICES
- Designing a REST API
- Building a REST service with:
- Spring Boot (Java) or;
- Flask (Python) or;
- Express (JavaScript)
Day one
- Session 4: REST CLIENTS
- Off-the-shelf REST clients, e.g. Postman
- Building a REST client with:
- HttpClient (Java) or;
- Requests (Python) or;
- Axios (JavaScript)
- Shape
Day two
- Session 5: REST API CONFIGURATION
- Caching
- Compression
- Content negotiation
- HATEOAS
- Idempotence
- Security
- Versioning
- Statelessness
- Documentation
Day two
- Session 6: MORE REST THEORY
- The Richardson Maturity Model
- Searching, sorting, and pagination
- The n+1 problem
- PUT vs. POST
- Authentication techniques
FAQs
This course builds practical skills in designing, developing and optimising RESTful services and clients. It combines theory with hands-on exercises, supporting developers in applying REST principles using modern tools and frameworks in real-world development environments.
Which programming languages are supported?
The course supports development in Java, Python and JavaScript. Exercises and examples can be completed using your preferred language, allowing you to apply REST concepts within a familiar development environment.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Some prior programming experience is recommended. Those new to coding may benefit from completing an introductory programming course before attending, as the content assumes familiarity with at least one language.
What tools are used during the course?
Development activities include frameworks such as Spring Boot, Flask and Express, as well as client libraries like HttpClient, Requests and Axios. Testing tools such as Postman are also used to validate API behaviour and responses.
Is this relevant for front-end and back-end roles?
REST APIs are used across both front-end and back-end development. The course supports building services as well as consuming APIs, making the content relevant for a wide range of development responsibilities.
What our customers say
“This is now my second course with John at TSG and once again the delivery was simply excellent. I was a little bit worried coming in that I wouldn't have the requisite knowledge, however, I found that it was just about the perfect level between being able to understand the concepts and stretching the grey matter.”
Ashley, AppOps Engineer (Jr DBA) - Government
“Stuart was very good in explaining, and very patient, finding alternative ways to explain concepts where understanding was not grasped on the first attempt. Would recommend.”
Stuart, Assurance Manager – Government
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