What are the main approaches and methods used in REST API development?

The main approaches to developing REST APIs include:

• Using HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to define actions on resources.
• Clearly defining resources and their URIs.
• Standardizing data formats, most commonly JSON.
• Ensuring stateless interactions, meaning the server does not store client state between requests.
• Implementing authentication and authorization (e.g., via OAuth or JWT).
• Handling errors with understandable HTTP status codes and messages.

Development methods include designing APIs using specifications (e.g., OpenAPI), writing server logic, testing endpoints, and documenting for ease of use by clients.