> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bcds.gitbook.io/learn/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bcds.gitbook.io/learn/tutorials/rest-api/how-does-rest-api-work.md).

# How does REST API work?

**API** - Application Programming Interface.\
**REST API** - Representational State Transfer API.\
**SERVER**: the place has the resources.\
**Client call (API call) -> Server** - Data back over HTTP protocol.\
**API Key** - interface to identify its user, developer or calling program to a website, which is normally used to assist in tracking and controlling how the interface is being utilized.

#### Four API Call Types:

* Post: Create
* Get: Read
* Put: Update
* Delete: Delete

![Example: OpenFEC https://api.open.fec.gov/developers/ ](/files/-MVPeOk98QXu6VhXTG1e)

#### Compose the API Call through https protocol:

/Resource/ \
{Required parameter} \
(Optional parameter) \
API Key

![Example: OpenFec https://api.open.fec.gov/developers/ ](/files/-MVPeSZ1vp0gpXUvEEYu)