What is a REST API?
A REST API is an interface that lets two computer systems exchange data over HTTP, using standard verbs (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and URLs that represent resources.
Why it matters for an online store
A REST API lets the store connect to external tools — accounting software, a marketplace, a mobile app, an ERP — without those systems sharing a common database. Each keeps its own database and talks to the others through standardised requests, which limits the risk of conflicts and makes each system easier to maintain independently.
In practice
PrestaShop provides a native webservice exposing the catalogue, orders and customers in XML or JSON format, enabled and authenticated via a key generated in the back office. WooCommerce provides a REST API authenticated with a consumer key and secret, generated in the store settings, used for example to sync orders with an external tool.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a REST API and a webhook?
Do you need technical skills to use a REST API?
Is WooCommerce's REST API enabled by default?
Describe your need in one minute
A few targeted questions so I can reply with an estimate rather than another questionnaire.