PHP APIs and Web Services Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is an API in PHP?
An API (Application Programming Interface) allows PHP applications to communicate with external services.
APIs enable data exchange, like fetching posts via the WordPress REST API. Freelancers integrate APIs for client features (e.g., social media feeds), while enterprise architects design APIs for system interoperability, aligning with your WordPress API interests.
What is a REST API in PHP?
A REST API uses HTTP methods (GET, POST) to perform CRUD operations over the web.
In WordPress, the REST API (/wp-json/) retrieves posts or users. Freelancers use REST for client integrations, while enterprise architects build scalable RESTful services for enterprise systems, as seen in your headless WordPress deck.
What is the WordPress REST API?
The WordPress REST API delivers content as JSON via endpoints like /wp-json/wp/v2/posts.
It supports headless WordPress and integrations (e.g., mobile apps). Freelancers leverage it for client projects, while enterprise architects use it for decoupled architectures, per your WordPress APIs deck.
What is wp_remote_get() in WordPress?
wp_remote_get() sends a GET request to an API, like $response = wp_remote_get(‘https://api.example.com/data’);.
It fetches data (e.g., external posts). Freelancers use it for client integrations, while enterprise architects ensure secure, efficient requests, building on your database and security knowledge.
What is wp_remote_post() in WordPress?
wp_remote_post() sends a POST request, like $response = wp_remote_post(‘https://api.example.com/submit’, [‘body’ => $data]);.
Used for form submissions or API updates. Freelancers implement it for client forms, while enterprise architects secure POST requests for system-to-system communication.
What is the PHP cURL library?
cURL is a library for making HTTP requests, like $ch = curl_init(‘https://api.example.com’);.
An alternative to wp_remote_get(), it’s used for custom API calls. Freelancers use cURL for flexibility, while enterprise architects optimize it for performance in large-scale integrations.
How do you initialize a cURL session in PHP?
Use curl_init(), like $ch = curl_init(‘https://api.example.com’);.
Starts a cURL session for API requests. In WordPress, it’s used for non-standard APIs. Freelancers configure cURL for clients, while enterprise architects ensure secure connections.
What is curl_setopt() in PHP?
curl_setopt() configures cURL options, like curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);.
Sets options like returning data or headers. Freelancers use it for custom API calls, while enterprise architects fine-tune options for efficiency and security.
What is curl_exec() in PHP?
curl_exec() executes a cURL request, like $response = curl_exec($ch);.
Retrieves API data. In WordPress, it’s used for external services. Freelancers handle responses, while enterprise architects parse and validate results for reliability.
What is json_encode() in PHP?
json_encode() converts PHP data to JSON, like $json = json_encode([‘name’ => ‘John’]);.
Used to send data to APIs. In WordPress, it formats REST responses. Freelancers create JSON for client APIs, while enterprise architects ensure proper encoding, per your array experience.
What is json_decode() in PHP?
json_decode() converts JSON to PHP data, like $data = json_decode($json, true);.
Parses API responses. In WordPress, it processes REST data. Freelancers extract API data, while enterprise architects validate decoded data for security.
What is HTTP status code 200?
Status code 200 indicates a successful API request.
In WordPress, a 200 response confirms data retrieval. Freelancers check status codes, while enterprise architects handle success/failure logic in API workflows.
What is HTTP status code 404?
Status code 404 indicates the requested resource was not found.
In WordPress REST API, it signals invalid endpoints. Freelancers handle 404s for client apps, while enterprise architects log errors for monitoring.
What is an API key in PHP?
An API key is a token for authenticating API requests, like ?api_key=12345.
In WordPress, plugins use API keys (e.g., Mailchimp). Freelancers secure keys for clients, while enterprise architects manage keys with secure storage, as in your security deck.
What is OAuth in PHP APIs?
OAuth is an authentication protocol using tokens for secure API access.
Used for APIs like Twitter. In WordPress, OAuth connects social logins. Freelancers implement OAuth for clients, while enterprise architects integrate with SSO systems.
What is a webhook in PHP?
A webhook sends data to a URL when an event occurs, like a POST request on user signup.
In WordPress, webhooks notify external systems (e.g., Zapier). Freelancers set up webhooks, while enterprise architects ensure reliable delivery, per your WordPress APIs deck.
How do you create a webhook in PHP?
Use curl or wp_remote_post() in an event hook, like wp_remote_post(‘https://webhook.site’, [‘body’ => $data]);.
Triggers on events (e.g., user_register). Freelancers build webhooks for clients, while enterprise architects secure and scale webhook systems.
What is the WordPress HTTP API?
The WordPress HTTP API provides functions like wp_remote_get() for HTTP requests.
Simplifies API calls compared to cURL. Freelancers use it for plugin integrations, while enterprise architects leverage it for standardized requests.
What is wp_remote_retrieve_body() in WordPress?
wp_remote_retrieve_body() extracts the body from a wp_remote_get() response, like $body = wp_remote_retrieve_body($response);.
Retrieves API data. Freelancers parse responses for clients, while enterprise architects validate body content.
What is wp_remote_retrieve_response_code()?
wp_remote_retrieve_response_code() gets the HTTP status code, like $code = wp_remote_retrieve_response_code($response);.
Checks request success (e.g., 200). Freelancers handle API errors, while enterprise architects use codes for error handling workflows.
What is a RESTful service in PHP?
A RESTful service follows REST principles, using HTTP methods for CRUD operations.
In WordPress, custom REST endpoints are RESTful. Freelancers build services for clients, while enterprise architects design scalable REST APIs.
How do you create a REST API in PHP?
Define routes and handle requests, like $app->get(‘/users’, function() { return json_encode([‘users’]); });.
Frameworks like Slim simplify this. In WordPress, register_rest_route() is used. Freelancers create APIs, while enterprise architects ensure scalability.
What is the file_get_contents() function in PHP?
file_get_contents() fetches data from a URL, like $data = file_get_contents(‘https://api.example.com’);.
A simple alternative to cURL. In WordPress, it’s less common than wp_remote_get(). Freelancers use it for quick calls, while enterprise architects prefer robust methods.
What is API rate limiting in PHP?
Rate limiting restricts API request frequency, often implemented server-side.
In WordPress, plugins limit API calls (e.g., Google Maps). Freelancers manage limits for clients, while enterprise architects enforce throttling for system stability.
