The REST API is basically a plugin which can be used by applications for accessing data that is produced by WordPress CMS in the JSON format. The Version 1.0 of REST API has been released only recently and soon we can expect it to be included in the WordPress core. People looking to create business mobile applications through WordPress will now find it much easier to do so. The REST API makes it possible for the developers to de-couple the front-end aspects completely from core WordPress package which in turn can help them to develop superior quality mobile apps and highly customized themes. The REST API can also make it possible to choose better implementation methods for such features.
Here are some effective methods to start working with the REST API. All relevant information here has been provided by Sakshi Infoway.
REST API Plugin
The first thing that you will need to do before you get started working on REST API Plugin is to download its latest version from a reliable source and also have the current WordPress version for all your work. You should also be knowledgeable about WordPress HTTP API as that will help you to make important calls. We can start by setting up local WordPress installation that can pull multiple posts from the live site with the help of the REST API. To do this, the REST API Plugin must be installed properly on live site. You should also have one empty widget plugin for your local site.
REST API Test Widget in Plugins Directory
The code is present in the folder called rest-api-test-widget in plugins directory, within a file that is called rest-api-test-widget.php. The file contains plugin header for this installation, and it is used while listing the plugin within the admin section. For this project, we will also need to use WordPress HTTP API as it can help us to read responses and make requests from WordPress API. There are a number of things that we will need to keep a track of when we are looking to make a request. These include the API’s base path, the route and the endpoint that is used for it, as well as the headers and the parameters. Each of the routes can have multiple endpoints that are effectively differentiated by HTTP method. Based on our specific needs, we may choose to retrieve, update or delete the post.
We can consider the reaction to be positive where there are no errors and it can return a number of posts. All data returning along with the response can be grabbed by the wp_remote_retrieve_body () function. This body is going to include a JSON string along with the post data. While this seems to be quite simple, it can actually work wonders for a website. You can come up with a business mobile applications for some ecommerce site that is made for Android or iOS platform and even then the app can perfectly interact with the WordPress site. It can also perform all kinds of functions such as take orders, receive payments and manage shipments.
We can consider the reaction to be positive where there are no errors and it can return a number of posts. All data returning along with the response can be grabbed by the wp_remote_retrieve_body () function. This body is going to include a JSON string along with the post data. While this seems to be quite simple, it can actually work wonders for a website. You can come up with a mobile application for some ecommerce site that is made for Android or iOS platform and even then the app can perfectly interact with the WordPress site. It can also perform all kinds of functions such as take orders, receive payments and manage shipments.
