RESTful JSON API
40 JSON API endpoints for WordPress content, CPTs, taxonomies, media, comments, widgets, users, JWT login, API keys, CORS, and HTTPS.
Solid choice
RESTful JSON API is a solid plugin choice in 2026, with a few things worth checking first. Was last updated 4 weeks ago, and scores 64/100 on our health check.
- Actively developed — last update 4 weeks ago
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
- Small user base (<10 active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & support
Daily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where RESTful JSON API stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| api | >100 |
| JSON | >100 |
| jwt | #88 |
| mobile | >100 |
| rest | >100 |
About RESTful JSON API
From the official readme · v0.15.8Description
RESTful JSON API provides simple JSON endpoints for WordPress content and user-facing app workflows. It is designed for mobile apps, external tools, and lightweight integrations that need predictable JSON responses from WordPress.
Built-in features include:
- Core endpoints for pages, search, indexes, menus, and API metadata.
- Posts controller endpoints for read-only post lists, single posts, CPT discovery, custom taxonomies, taxonomy terms/posts, media, attachments, comments, date archives, category archives, tag archives, and author archives.
- Comment submission endpoints.
- Widget/sidebar retrieval endpoints.
- User signup, login, token validation, current-user profile, avatars, password reset requests, user meta, and authenticated comments.
- Plugin-issued JWT bearer tokens for protected endpoints.
- Optional shared API-key protection.
- CORS allowed-origin settings.
- HTTPS enforcement for password and bearer-token requests, enabled by default.
Full endpoint documentation with sample code is available in Settings > RESTful JSON API > Documentation. The same long-form documentation is also included in readme.md inside the plugin package.
Installation
- Upload the
restful-json-apifolder to/wp-content/plugins/. - Activate the plugin from the WordPress Plugins screen.
- Open Settings > RESTful JSON API.
- Configure the API base path, optional API key, CORS origins, HTTPS requirement, and enabled controllers.
Frequently asked questions
How do clients authenticate?
Clients call the User controller login endpoint with a username and password over HTTPS. The response includes a plugin-issued JWT. Protected endpoints require Authorization: Bearer ACCESS_TOKEN.
Do users need WordPress Application Passwords?
No. This plugin uses JWT authentication, so users do not need to manually create Application Passwords.
Is HTTPS required?
HTTPS is required by default for password and bearer-token requests. Site owners can disable this in Settings > RESTful JSON API for local or non-SSL environments, but production sites should keep it enabled.
Does the plugin still use authentication cookies?
No. Cookie-based authentication endpoints were removed. Use JWT bearer tokens instead.
Where are the endpoint examples?
Open Settings > RESTful JSON API > Documentation for login, token validation, post create/update/delete, user meta, comment, and controller examples. The same documentation is also included in readme.md.
Changelog
0.15.8 (2026-09-08):
- Tested and confirmed compatible with WordPress 7.1.
- Confirmed the secure Parorrey donation link.
0.15.7 (2026-07-15):
- Initial release.
Screenshots
For developers
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FAQ
RESTful JSON API: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
Is RESTful JSON API free?
Yes. RESTful JSON API is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is RESTful JSON API safe to use in 2026?
RESTful JSON API is a solid plugin choice in 2026, with a few things worth checking first. Was last updated 4 weeks ago, and scores 64/100 on our health check.
How many websites use RESTful JSON API?
RESTful JSON API is active on <10 WordPress websites and has been downloaded 286 times since it launched in July 2026. It was downloaded 131 times in the last 30 days.
Does RESTful JSON API work with WordPress 7.1?
Yes. The developer has tested RESTful JSON API up to WordPress 7.1.2, the latest release. It requires WordPress 5.0 or newer.
What PHP version does RESTful JSON API need?
RESTful JSON API requires PHP 7.4 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was RESTful JSON API last updated?
The latest version, 0.15.8, was released on September 7, 2026 (4 weeks ago).
Who makes RESTful JSON API?
RESTful JSON API is developed and maintained by Ali Qureshi.
What are the best alternatives to RESTful JSON API?
The most popular alternatives to RESTful JSON API are WP Consent API (200K+ installs), Disable REST API (80K+ installs) and Mailgun for WordPress (80K+ installs).
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