What does REST stand for in API terminology?

In API terminology, REST stands for Representational State Transfer. REST is an architectural style for designing networked applications, primarily used on the web. It relies on a stateless, client-server communication model, where requests from clients to servers contain all the information needed for the server to fulfill the request.

The term "representational" indicates that resources are represented using various media types, such as JSON or XML, and "state transfer" refers to the transfer of the state of resources over the network. By following REST principles, developers can create services that are scalable, maintainable, and can utilize the standard HTTP protocols, making it easier to integrate web services and applications.

Understanding REST is crucial for anyone working with APIs, as it lays the foundation for designing and interacting with web services effectively.