What does the OPTIONS method provide in a RESTful web service?

What does the OPTIONS method provide in a RESTful web service?

• A. Data representation
• B. Allowed HTTP methods for the target resource
• C. Status of the server
• D. Resource deletion

Answer: (B)

The OPTIONS method is used in a RESTful web service to define which HTTP methods are supported by a specific resource. When a client sends an OPTIONS request, the server responds with the allowed methods, such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc., that can be used on that resource. This is particularly useful for clients to understand how they can interact with the server and what operations are permissible without having to make multiple requests. This method can help inform clients of the capabilities of a server and is essential for RESTful API design, especially in scenarios involving CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) where clients need to know the permitted actions before proceeding with a request. The other options do not align with the primary purpose of the OPTIONS method; it does not provide data representation, determine the server's status, or facilitate resource deletion. Instead, it focuses entirely on the allowed operations for the targeted resource, making the correct choice clear.

The OPTIONS method is used in a RESTful web service to define which HTTP methods are supported by a specific resource. When a client sends an OPTIONS request, the server responds with the allowed methods, such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc., that can be used on that resource. This is particularly useful for clients to understand how they can interact with the server and what operations are permissible without having to make multiple requests.

This method can help inform clients of the capabilities of a server and is essential for RESTful API design, especially in scenarios involving CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) where clients need to know the permitted actions before proceeding with a request.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of the OPTIONS method; it does not provide data representation, determine the server's status, or facilitate resource deletion. Instead, it focuses entirely on the allowed operations for the targeted resource, making the correct choice clear.