REST-RESOURCE

The REST granularity unit — one URL, one entity.

Definition

Practice: each resource has (1) a canonical plural URL, (2) a schema (JSON-Schema/OpenAPI), (3) standard HTTP methods (GET list, POST create, GET/PUT/PATCH/DELETE by ID). Sub-resources: /orders/{id}/lines. Filters: /orders?status=open. Pagination: Link header (RFC 5988).

Origin

Central concept of Fielding's 2000 dissertation (REST chapter).

Example in context

GET /orders → list, POST /orders → create, GET /orders/42 → fetch, PATCH /orders/42 → update.

Related terms

• REST EDI — parent paradigm.