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ASP.NET Core Web API Introduction

ASP.NET Core Web API is the HTTP API framework in the modern .NET platform. It is used to build backend services, internal APIs, public REST endpoints, and backend-for-frontend layers.

  • strong integration with the wider .NET ecosystem
  • built-in dependency injection and configuration
  • flexible request pipeline through middleware
  • good fit for API security, validation, and production hosting

An ASP.NET Core Web API application is usually built from a few core pieces:

  • endpoints or controllers that define the HTTP surface
  • models and DTOs that define request and response contracts
  • middleware that shapes cross-cutting behavior
  • services that contain business logic
  • configuration for authentication, authorization, logging, and hosting
  • line-of-business APIs for web and mobile apps
  • microservice endpoints
  • integration APIs between internal systems
  • backend services for SPAs or server-rendered apps