This repository contains a collection of hands-on exercises focused on consuming REST APIs using PHP.
The work is based on a guided learning process and extended with additional self-created exercises to reinforce concepts in a real-world scenario.

All examples were tested against a real API developed by me:

• API used for practice: PabloGarayOk/apirest-pacientes
• The same API is also consumed by a Vue.js dashboard project.

The goal of this repository is to demonstrate practical backend skills, clean structure, and defensive programming when working with external APIs.

Role: Backend Developer (PHP)

This repository contains a progressive learning project focused on consuming REST APIs using pure PHP.

The project was built through a series of 23 hands-on exercises, combining guided challenges and self-proposed tasks to reinforce concepts. All examples were tested against a real, production-like API ('apirest-pacientes'), ensuring realistic constraints such as authentication, timeouts, retries, and error handling.

The goal of this project is not to provide a finished application, but to demonstrate practical API consumption patterns, clean request structure, and defensive programming techniques in PHP.

This repository is designed to remain open for future extensions as new scenarios and edge cases are explored.

Throughout the exercises, the following concepts were implemented and practiced:

• API consumption using file_get_contents
• HTTP methods:
  • GET
  • POST
  • PUT
  • PATCH
  • DELETE
  • DELETE via request headers
• Bearer token authentication
• Dynamic token handling
• Logical request structure (parameters, headers, options)
• Robust input and response validation
• Error handling and response verification
• Timeouts and retry logic
• HTTP status code handling
• Real API interaction (not mock data)

As part of the later exercises, the request logic was refactored into a reusable function to centralize behavior:

• apiRequest() function
• Centralized handling of:
  • Timeouts
  • Retries
  • HTTP errors
  • API response validation

This approach reflects a more senior-style backend pattern, focusing on maintainability, clarity, and reuse.

This repository was created to:

• Practice API consumption in a realistic environment
• Reinforce backend fundamentals using PHP
• Apply defensive programming techniques
• Demonstrate understanding of REST principles
• Serve as a reference for future backend projects

• PHP
• REST APIs
• HTTP protocol
• JSON
• Bearer Token authentication

• Consuming real APIs exposes edge cases that are not visible in mock examples.
• Token-based authentication requires careful handling of expiration and renewal.
• Centralizing request logic (e.g. apiRequest() helper) greatly improves maintainability.
• Proper timeout and retry strategies are essential for resilient integrations.
• Supporting multiple HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE) clarifies API semantics.
• DELETE requests via headers require special attention in PHP implementations.
• Clear separation between parameters, options, and headers improves readability.
• Defensive validation and structured error handling prevent silent failures.
• Repetition across multiple exercises significantly reinforces API design understanding.

• REST API: apirest-pacientes
• Vue.js Dashboard consuming the same API

Pablo Garay
Personal website