REST vs HTTP APIs in AWS Serverless

1. Introduction

In the context of AWS Serverless, understanding the differences between REST and HTTP APIs is crucial for designing scalable and efficient applications. While both are used to interact with web services, they have distinct characteristics that affect performance, security, and usability.

2. Key Concepts

2.1 What is REST?

REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style for designing networked applications. It relies on a stateless, client-server communication model where resources are identified by URIs and can be manipulated using standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE.

Note: RESTful APIs are designed to be stateless, meaning that each request from a client contains all the information needed for the server to fulfill that request.

2.2 What is HTTP API?

HTTP APIs are a more flexible option in AWS API Gateway, allowing developers to create APIs that can be used with any HTTP-based service. They support RESTful principles but provide additional optimization features that enhance performance.

Tip: HTTP APIs are often cheaper and faster compared to REST APIs in AWS due to the reduced overhead.

3. Step-by-Step Process

3.1 Creating a REST API in AWS API Gateway


# Step 1: Navigate to AWS API Gateway
# Step 2: Choose 'Create API'
# Step 3: Select 'REST API' and specify the settings
# Step 4: Define resources and methods (GET, POST, etc.)
# Step 5: Set up Lambda integration
# Step 6: Deploy the API

3.2 Creating an HTTP API in AWS API Gateway


# Step 1: Open AWS API Gateway Console
# Step 2: Click on 'Create API'
# Step 3: Choose 'HTTP API' and configure the settings
# Step 4: Add routes and specify integrations
# Step 5: Deploy the API

4. Best Practices

Use HTTP APIs for lower latency and cost when building new applications.
Utilize caching strategies to speed up responses for frequently requested resources.
Implement proper authentication and authorization mechanisms, such as AWS IAM or Cognito.
Monitor and log API usage using AWS CloudWatch to identify performance bottlenecks.

5. FAQ

What is the main difference between REST and HTTP APIs?

REST APIs are strictly defined by REST principles and are typically more heavyweight, whereas HTTP APIs provide a simpler and more efficient way to create APIs with less overhead.

Which API type should I use for my serverless application?

Generally, HTTP APIs are recommended for new serverless applications due to their performance benefits and lower cost. However, REST APIs may still be suitable for applications needing advanced features like API keys or request validation.

Are there performance differences between REST and HTTP APIs?

Yes, HTTP APIs generally provide lower latency and better performance compared to REST APIs, especially under high load conditions.

6. Flowchart

graph TD
            A[Start] --> B{Choose API Type}
            B -->|REST API| C[Define Resources & Methods]
            B -->|HTTP API| D[Define Routes]
            C --> E[Integrate with Lambda]
            D --> E
            E --> F[Deploy API]
            F --> G[End]