← Module 03 · HTTP & APIs

Software Knowledge → 03 · HTTP & APIs → Endpoint

PART III · HTTP & APIs

Endpoint

A specific address that provides access to an API resource or function.

01 · What is it?

What is it?

An endpoint is a specific address where an API provides data or functionality.

Simple Definition:
An endpoint is one specific access point inside an API.

02 · Think of it like...

Think of it like...

Think of an API as a building.

Each endpoint is a specific service desk inside that building.

Visual

API│├─ /api/orders├─ /api/customers├─ /api/products└─ /api/payments

03 · What does it do?

What does it do?

An endpoint identifies:

What Resource Is Being Accessed

Which Function Is Available

Where the Request Should Go

What Backend Route Should Handle It

04 · Where is it used?

Where is it used?

Endpoints appear in:

REST APIs

Frontend API Calls

Mobile Applications

System Integrations

Webhooks

API Documentation

05 · Example

Example

GET /api/orders

GET is the HTTP method.

/api/orders is the endpoint.

Purpose: Retrieve order data.

POST /api/orders

Same endpoint.

Different method.

Different action.

06 · How it connects

How it connects

Client→Method→Endpoint→Backend Route→Business Logic→Response

The endpoint tells the request where to go.

The method helps describe what action should happen there.

07 · Do Not Confuse

Do Not Confuse

API

The complete interface containing multiple functions or resources.

Endpoint

One specific access point inside that API.

API
↓
Many Endpoints

08 · Topic Glossary

Topic Glossary

ENGLISH TERM	中文	SIMPLE ENGLISH	中文小白理解
Endpoint	接口地址	A specific address that provides an API function.	API 中提供某个具体功能的访问地址。
API	应用程序接口	A collection of defined software functions or resources.	对外提供一组功能或数据访问方式的软件接口。
URL	URL 地址	The address used to locate a web resource.	用来定位网页、接口或其他网络资源的地址。
Path	路径	The part of a URL that identifies a resource.	URL 中用来标识具体资源的位置部分。
Method	HTTP 方法	The action requested at an endpoint.	在某个接口地址上希望执行的操作类型。
Route	路由	Backend logic that maps a request path to code.	后端把请求地址映射到处理代码的规则。
Resource	资源	Data or functionality exposed by an API.	API 对外提供访问的数据或功能。
Request	请求	A message sent to an endpoint.	发送到某个接口地址的数据或操作请求。
Response	响应	The result returned after the endpoint is processed.	接口处理完成后返回的数据或结果。
API Documentation	API 文档	Documentation listing endpoints and how to use them.	说明有哪些接口、怎么调用以及返回什么的文档。

09 · What to Remember

What to Remember

An endpoint is one specific access point inside an API.

Endpoints are usually represented by URLs or URL paths.

The method and endpoint together describe an API operation.

Method + Endpoint = API Operation