Unlocking API Headers 101: The Essential Guide

In this modern internet world, everything is connected through REST APIs.
APIs serve as the primary layer of communication between the frontend and backend. A common question might arise: how do APIs facilitate this communication? Among the many factors involved, headers play a crucial role. Headers act as the primary control mechanism for requests and responses.

This article dives deep into the default request and response headers, offering a detailed understanding. For those new to API development, let’s break down the concept step by step.

What Are Headers?

Headers are key-value pairs sent along with API requests and responses. They provide vital information, such as the data format, authentication methods, or specific instructions for processing a request.

Types of Headers

1. Request Headers: Sent by the client (e.g., a browser or app) to inform the server how to handle the request.
2. Response Headers: Sent by the server to convey metadata about the response.

Request Headers:

Request headers are crucial for letting the server know how to handle your request.