As a developer, you may have heard of the terms WordPress Json API and WordPress Rest API, but do you know what they are and how they differ? Both APIs are used to communicate with WordPress sites, but they have different functionalities and use cases.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at WordPress Json API and WordPress Rest API, and help you decide which one is right for your project.
What is WordPress Json API?
WordPress Json API is a plugin that allows developers to interact with WordPress sites using JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. It provides a RESTful interface to access and manipulate data stored in a WordPress site.
The plugin was developed by Ryan McCue, and it has been included in WordPress core since version 4.7. The API allows developers to create, read, update, and delete posts, pages, comments, and other WordPress data using HTTP requests.
One of the main advantages of using WordPress Json API is that it allows developers to create custom applications that can interact with WordPress sites without the need for any additional plugins or code.
What is WordPress Rest API?
WordPress Rest API is a core feature of WordPress that provides a RESTful interface for developers to access WordPress data and functionality. It is built on top of WordPress Json API and provides a more comprehensive set of endpoints and features.
The API allows developers to create, read, update, and delete any WordPress data, including posts, pages, comments, users, and custom post types. It also provides additional features such as authentication, caching, and filtering.
WordPress Rest API is designed to be flexible and extensible, allowing developers to create custom endpoints and plugins that can extend the API’s functionality.
Differences between WordPress Json API and WordPress Rest API
WordPress Json API and WordPress Rest API are similar in many ways, but they have some key differences that make them suitable for different use cases.
Functionality
WordPress Json API provides a basic set of endpoints for interacting with WordPress data, including posts, pages, comments, and users. It is suitable for simple applications that only require basic functionality.
WordPress Rest API, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive set of endpoints and features, including authentication, caching, and filtering. It is suitable for complex applications that require advanced functionality.
Compatibility
WordPress Json API is a plugin that needs to be installed separately, while WordPress Rest API is a core feature of WordPress. This means that WordPress Rest API is more widely supported and compatible with other WordPress plugins and themes.
Performance
WordPress Json API is a lightweight plugin that provides basic functionality, which means that it is faster and more efficient than WordPress Rest API. However, if you require advanced functionality, WordPress Rest API is a better choice, even if it is slightly slower.
Security
Both WordPress Json API and WordPress Rest API provide authentication and security features, but WordPress Rest API provides more advanced security features such as OAuth2 and JSON Web Tokens (JWTs).
Which one is right for your project?
Choosing between WordPress Json API and WordPress Rest API depends on your project’s requirements and complexity.
If you only need to access basic WordPress data, such as posts, pages, and comments, and you don’t require any advanced features or functionality, then WordPress Json API is a good choice. It is lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with most WordPress plugins and themes.
If you require advanced functionality, such as authentication, caching, and filtering, or you need to access custom post types and data, then WordPress Rest API is a better choice. It is more comprehensive, extensible, and provides better security features.
In conclusion, both WordPress Json API and WordPress Rest API are valuable tools for developers who want to interact with WordPress sites. The choice between the two depends on your project’s requirements and complexity. Choose wisely, and you’ll be able to create powerful applications that can interact with WordPress in new and exciting ways.