Building REST APIs with Rails is a comprehensive guide that explores the world of building RESTful APIs using the Ruby on Rails framework. REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style that enables developers to design scalable and maintainable web services. Rails, on the other hand, is a popular web application framework that helps developers build web applications quickly and efficiently.

The book covers everything you need to know about building REST APIs with Rails, starting from the basics and progressing to more advanced topics. It begins by explaining what REST is and how it works, then moves on to cover the principles of API design, including resource identification, representation, and state transitions. You’ll learn how to use Rails to build a complete REST API, including handling CRUD operations, authentication, and authorization.

Throughout the book, you’ll explore best practices for designing and building RESTful APIs, as well as common pitfalls and how to avoid them. You’ll also learn how to test your API using popular testing frameworks, such as RSpec and Cucumber, and how to document your API using tools like Swagger.

One of the standout features of the book is its focus on real-world examples. The authors take you through building a complete API for a fictional e-commerce application, demonstrating how to apply the principles and techniques covered in each chapter. By the end of the book, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to build RESTful APIs with Rails and be ready to apply your newfound knowledge to your own projects.

Whether you’re a seasoned Rails developer or just getting started with API development, Building REST APIs with Rails is an invaluable resource that will help you take your skills to the next level. With its clear explanations, practical examples, and comprehensive coverage, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in building scalable and maintainable APIs with Rails.