The WordPress REST API is a built-in feature that lets you interact with your WordPress site’s data using standard HTTP requests. It means you can read, create, update, and delete content (posts, pages, users, etc.) from outside of WordPress — using any programming language or application that can make web requests.
What Is a REST API?
REST (Representational State Transfer) is a standard way for applications to communicate over the internet. The WordPress REST API exposes your site’s data as JSON — a lightweight data format that’s easy to work with in any language.
What You Can Do With It
- Build headless WordPress setups (use WordPress as a backend, custom frontend)
- Create mobile apps powered by your WordPress content
- Sync data between WordPress and other platforms
- Build custom dashboards or admin tools
- Automate content creation and management
Basic Endpoints
GET /wp-json/wp/v2/posts— list all postsPOST /wp-json/wp/v2/posts— create a new postPUT /wp-json/wp/v2/posts/123— update post 123DELETE /wp-json/wp/v2/posts/123— delete post 123
Authentication
Reading public content doesn’t require auth. Creating or editing content requires authentication — usually via Application Passwords (WordPress 5.6+), JWT tokens, or cookie-based nonces.
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