JSON-RPC vs REST: What are the differences?

Introduction

JSON-RPC and REST are two different approaches for client-server communication over the internet. While both JSON-RPC and REST allow for communication between client and server, they have distinct differences in terms of structure, protocols, and flexibility.

1. Request-Response Model: JSON-RPC follows a strict request-response model, where a client makes a request to a server and expects a response from the server. The requests and responses are formatted using the JSON-RPC protocol, which includes specific fields such as method and params. REST, on the other hand, is a more flexible architecture that allows clients to interact with server resources using different HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE. REST requests and responses typically use JSON or XML formats.

2. Transport Protocols: JSON-RPC primarily relies on HTTP as the transport protocol, making it easier to implement and utilize existing HTTP infrastructure. REST, on the other hand, is not tied to any specific transport protocol and can operate over various protocols like HTTP, TCP, SMTP, etc. This flexibility allows REST to be used in a wider range of scenarios.

3. Stateless vs Stateful: REST follows a stateless model, where each request from the client to the server contains all the necessary information to process the request. The server does not store any client-specific information and can process requests independently. JSON-RPC, on the other hand, can maintain server-side state information between requests, allowing for more complex interactions and session management.

4. Flexibility and Extensibility: JSON-RPC provides a more standardized and structured approach to client-server communication, making it easier to define and enforce rules for data exchange. REST, being more flexible and loosely-coupled, allows for easier integration with diverse systems and enables the addition of new resources and endpoints without impacting existing functionality.

5. Error Handling: In JSON-RPC, errors are returned explicitly within the response, with error codes and error messages provided. This makes it easier for clients to handle and process errors. In REST, errors are typically indicated using appropriate HTTP status codes and may be accompanied by error descriptions in the response body. The handling of errors in REST may vary depending on the specific status codes used.

6. Caching and Performance: REST architecture includes support for caching mechanisms, allowing clients to cache responses for better performance. JSON-RPC does not have built-in support for caching and each request-response cycle requires direct interaction between the client and server, potentially impacting performance in some scenarios.

In Summary, JSON-RPC follows a strict request-response model using the JSON-RPC protocol over HTTP, while REST provides a more flexible and loosely-coupled architecture that supports various transport protocols, stateless interactions, and caching mechanisms.