Which statement best describes RESTful Web Services?

• A. They only use XML format for data exchange
• B. They utilize HTTP methods to implement REST architecture
• C. They are only compatible with SQL databases
• D. They do not support any data operations

Answer: (B)

The statement that best describes RESTful Web Services is that they utilize HTTP methods to implement REST architecture. This is a fundamental aspect of REST (Representational State Transfer), which is an architectural style designed for networked applications. RESTful services rely on standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc., to interact with resources, which are typically identified by URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers). This adherence to HTTP methods allows for a stateless client-server interaction and enables developers to build scalable and lightweight web services.

The use of these HTTP methods facilitates the manipulation of resources, pertaining to CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete), which is essential in RESTful services. This approach leads to a clear and uniform way to communicate with resources, making it easy for developers to understand and interact with web services.

In contrast, other options present inaccuracies or limitations that do not align with the principles of RESTful services. For instance, stating that RESTful services only use XML ignores the flexibility of REST to support various formats, including JSON, HTML, and plain text. Similarly, claiming that they are only compatible with SQL databases disregards the fact that RESTful services can work with any backend technology, including NoSQL databases, and claiming