REST APIs operate over the HTTP/HTTPS protocol. Therefore, any client capable of sending HTTP requests can be used to interact with a REST API.

cURL is a command-line tool designed for transferring data using various network protocols, including HTTP and HTTPS. It is widely used by developers and administrators to test and interact with REST APIs due to its flexibility in crafting specific requests, including methods (GET, POST, etc.), headers, and data payloads.

A Web browser is fundamentally an HTTP client. It can be used to make simple GET requests by entering the API endpoint URL into the address bar. For more complex interactions, browser developer tools or extensions can be used.

B. NETCONF: NETCONF is a distinct network management protocol that uses an RPC model over SSH, not a tool for making HTTP-based REST API requests.

D. SSH: SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol for secure remote login and command execution. It does not natively make HTTP requests required for REST API interaction.

1. Juniper Networks TechLibrary

Junos OS REST API Guide: This guide explicitly demonstrates using both cURL and a web browser to interact with the Junos REST API.

Section: Using the Junos OS REST API Explorer: "You can use any HTTP client to make requests to the Junos OS REST API. For example

you can use a Web browser to make GET requests..."

Section: Examples: Using the Junos OS REST API: This section provides numerous examples of making API calls using the curl command

such as: user@host> curl -u username:password -X GET -H "Accept: application/xml" "https://host/rpc/get-software-information".

2. Juniper Networks TechLibrary

Automation Scripting User Guide: This document distinguishes between the different programmatic interfaces available on Junos devices

clarifying that the REST API and NETCONF are separate protocols.

Section: Understanding the Junos Automation Stack > Data Model

API

and Protocol: This section describes the Junos OS automation stack

which includes support for "standard

programmatic APIs such as the Junos OS REST API and the Junos XML protocol API for NETCONF." This highlights that they are different API methods.