Geocortex Essentials REST Elements is the server-side architecture that supports the Essentials client APIs—the JavaScript API, Silverlight API and Flex API.
The primary function of REST Elements is to transform the GIS entities and features configured in sites into resources that client applications can consume. REST Elements makes these consumables available to the client APIs through a REST interface, the REST API. To learn about sites, REST and the REST API, go to the Concepts tab. The Reference tab provides detailed information about the types of objects that are available through the REST API.
Geocortex Essentials REST Elements is extensible. There are three ways to extend the functionality of Geocortex Essentials—custom properties, custom site extensions and custom REST endpoints. These are discussed on the Concepts tab. The Tutorials tab has detailed tutorials that step you through the creation of custom functions.
When developing an application using one of the client APIs, you will probably find all of the information you need in the resource center for the client API you are using. Unless your development work involves extending the functionality of Geocortex Essentials REST Elements, the information in the JavaScript API, Silverlight API and Flex API resource centers should be sufficient for your needs.