In Akka HTTP, routes define how incoming HTTP requests are handled by your application. A route maps an HTTP request (based on its method, URI, headers, or body) to a specific action, such as returning a response or invoking application logic. Routes form the backbone of an Akka HTTP application, enabling the definition of endpoints and their associated behavior.
Declarative DSL: Routes in Akka HTTP are defined using a concise, declarative Domain-Specific Language (DSL) provided by the library.
Composability: Routes can be combined hierarchically, allowing for reusable and modular definitions of complex routing logic.
Pattern Matching: Routes support pattern matching for HTTP methods (e.g., GET, POST), paths, query parameters, headers, and even request entities.
Integration with Directives: Akka HTTP provides powerful directives, which are building blocks used to create routes by defining how requests are processed.
Routes rely on directives, which are composable building blocks used to define behavior. Examples include:
path: Matches a specific URI path.get, post, etc.: Matches HTTP methods.parameter: Extracts query parameters.headerValueByName: Extracts headers.entity: Extracts and processes the request body.