A REST API (representational state transfer application programming interface) is a standard way for software applications to communicate over the web. In Activepieces, REST API calls are used within flows to connect with apps and services, making it possible to transfer data, trigger actions, and integrate systems seamlessly.
A REST API is a set of rules and conventions for building and interacting with web services. It follows the REST architectural style, which emphasizes stateless communication, resource identification through URLs, and the use of standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE.
The term “REST” was introduced by Roy Fielding in 2000 as part of his doctoral dissertation. Since then, REST APIs have become the backbone of web integrations, powering communication between millions of applications.
In simple terms, a REST API acts as a messenger: one application sends a request, and another responds with the requested data or performs an action. In Activepieces, flows often use REST APIs behind the scenes to interact with SaaS apps, databases, and third-party services.
REST APIs work by treating data as resources that can be created, read, updated, or deleted. Each resource is represented by a unique URL, and clients interact with these resources using HTTP requests.
In Activepieces, the process typically looks like this:
This design makes REST APIs flexible, lightweight, and well-suited for cloud-based automation.
REST APIs are important because they are the most common way modern applications communicate. Without them, the SaaS ecosystem and automation platforms like Activepieces would not be able to integrate systems so easily.
Key reasons REST APIs matter include:
For Activepieces, REST APIs are fundamental. Every piece, whether for Slack, Google Sheets, or custom apps, relies on REST API calls to exchange data and execute tasks.
REST APIs are used in nearly every type of integration and automation. In Activepieces, common examples include:
These scenarios show how REST APIs are the backbone of data exchange across workflows.
A REST API is a web service that follows the REST architectural style, allowing applications to communicate using standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. It is the most common way modern applications share data and functions.
REST APIs are lightweight, stateless, and widely supported, making them different from older protocols like SOAP. They are also easier to use than some newer frameworks because of their simplicity and standardization.
Activepieces communicates with apps and services through REST API calls. Each piece in Activepieces uses REST APIs to trigger events, execute actions, and move data across workflows. Users can also connect directly to REST APIs with the API connector for custom integrations.
