A REST API (Representational State Transfer API) is one of the most common ways modern software systems talk to each other. Instead of complex protocols, REST uses everyday web operations like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE—the same actions your browser uses when loading a webpage or submitting a form.
REST APIs are built around resources. Each resource—such as a stock price, user profile, currency quote, or prediction-market probability—is identified by a URL. When a client requests that URL, the API responds with structured data, often in JSON format. Because it’s simple and universally supported, REST makes it easy for developers to pull data into apps, dashboards, trading tools, or automation systems.
REST APIs are stateless, meaning every request is independent. This makes them fast, scalable, and reliable—ideal for real-time applications like trading platforms, price feeds, or financial analytics. Whether you’re building a mobile app, web dashboard, or automated trading bot, REST APIs are the backbone that connects your software to external data sources.
REST APIs matter because they make data accessible. They allow developers to integrate financial feeds, automate workflows, and build complex applications quickly and efficiently using standardized, web-friendly methods.
REST uses HTTP methods—like GET for retrieving data and POST for sending data—to interact with resources. Clients send requests to specific URLs (endpoints), and the API responds with structured data, usually JSON. Each response includes status codes indicating success or errors, making communication predictable and easy to debug.
REST APIs typically use API keys or OAuth tokens to authenticate users. These tokens control access, prevent abuse, and ensure only authorized apps can retrieve sensitive data. Developers must manage these keys carefully and use HTTPS to encrypt communication for additional security.
FinFeedAPI’s Stock API is delivered as a REST API, making it simple for developers to request market data using clean, web-based endpoints. With straightforward GET requests, users can pull stock prices, time series, fundamentals, and intraday data directly into their apps, scripts, or dashboards—no complicated setup required.
