What is an ASP.NET Web API framework?

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ASP.NET Web API is used purely for building backend web APIs which can be used by an array of clients, from the web to desktop to mobile. It forms the server component in the RESTful (Representational State Transfer) architecture.

An ASP.NET Web API framework is a framework provided by Microsoft for building HTTP services that can be consumed by various clients, including web browsers, mobile devices, and desktop applications. It is designed to facilitate the development of RESTful APIs using the .NET framework.

Key features and aspects of ASP.NET Web API include:

  1. HTTP-based: ASP.NET Web API is built on top of HTTP and follows the principles of REST (Representational State Transfer). It allows for creating APIs that are lightweight, scalable, and easy to consume.
  2. Content negotiation: Web API supports content negotiation, allowing clients to request data in various formats such as JSON, XML, or others, based on their preferences.
  3. Routing: It includes a powerful routing mechanism that maps HTTP requests to appropriate actions and controllers.
  4. Model binding and validation: Web API provides built-in support for model binding, which automatically maps HTTP request data to parameters of API controller methods. It also supports validation of incoming data.
  5. Filters: ASP.NET Web API supports filters, which can be used to implement cross-cutting concerns like logging, authentication, authorization, exception handling, etc.
  6. Media formatters: It allows for customizing the serialization and deserialization process using media formatters, which control how data is formatted in requests and responses.
  7. Dependency injection: With the ASP.NET Core version, dependency injection is built into the framework, allowing for better testability and maintainability of code.
  8. Integration with ASP.NET ecosystem: Web API can be integrated with other ASP.NET features like authentication, authorization, caching, and logging.

Overall, ASP.NET Web API framework provides a robust platform for building modern, scalable, and RESTful APIs in the .NET ecosystem.