The ASP.NET Web API is a framework that lets you build sophisticated cross-platform HTTP services using a simple unified toolset. ASP.NET Web API applications can be consumed by the widest possible range of devices from tablets and smartphones to desktops. If a device operates over HTTP then the Web API can interface with it. Built on top of ASP.NET MVC it automatically seperates out and handles service-layer agreements allowing you to focus on the form and function of your code without needing to worry about low-level interoperability concerns. So long as your code is correctly crafted Web API will do the rest. Practical ASP.NET Web API provides you with a hands-on and code-focused demonstration of the Web API in action.
From the very beginning, you'll be writing working code in order to see best practices and concepts in action. As the book progresses, the concepts and code will become more sophisticated.You'll learn how you can validate the request messages on arrival, how you can create loosely coupled controllers, extend the pipeline processing to comparmentalize your code for security and unit testing before being put onto a live hosting server.