Is the WordPress REST API enabled by default?

Yes, the WordPress REST API is enabled by default in all WordPress installations since version 4.7. This means you can immediately access site data using standard API endpoints without any additional setup or activation. The core API provides endpoints for posts, pages, users, media, taxonomies, and custom post types. Responses are returned in JSON format, making them compatible with modern frontend frameworks like React, Vue, or Angular. While the API is active by default, you can extend it with custom endpoints using register_rest_route() or secure it with authentication methods for private data. It powers headless WordPress setups efficiently.