Chapter 4. Zend_Rest

Table of Contents

4.1. Introduction
4.2. Zend_Rest_Client
4.2.1. Introduction
4.2.2. Responses
4.2.3. Request Arguments
4.3. Zend_Rest_Server
4.3.1. Introduction
4.3.2. REST Server Usage
4.3.3. Calling a Zend_Rest_Server Service
4.3.4. Sending Custom Statuses
4.3.5. Returning Custom XML Responses

4.1. Introduction

REST Web Services use a service specific XML format. These ad-hoc standards mean that the manner for accessing a REST web service is different for each service. REST Web Services typically use URL parameters (GET data) for requesting data and POST data for sending data.

The Zend Framework provides both Client and Server capabilities, which when used together allow for a much more "local" interface experience. The Server component features automatic exposition of functions and classes using a meaningful and simple XML format. When accessing these services using the Client, it is possible to easily retrieve the return data from the remote call. Should you wish to use the client with a non-Zend_Rest_Server based service, it will still provide easier data access.