What functionalities does the REST API offer in Salesforce?

The REST API in Salesforce provides a comprehensive set of functionalities that allow for the creation, reading, editing, and deletion of Salesforce records. This means that users can not only access and retrieve data from Salesforce but also make modifications to existing records and create new records as needed.

The versatility of the REST API is demonstrated in various scenarios, such as integrating Salesforce with third-party applications, where users may require not only the ability to view data but also to update and manage it efficiently. This API supports standard HTTP methods, which align with the expected operations: GET for retrieving data, POST for creating new records, PATCH for updating records, and DELETE for removing records.

In contrast, other options are limited in scope. For example, claiming that the REST API offers only data retrieval would overlook its full capabilities. Similarly, a focus solely on data modifications or data streaming would ignore the complete range of operations that can be performed through this API. Thus, the REST API's functionality is best encapsulated by the option indicating its ability to create, read, edit, and delete Salesforce records, providing users with an all-encompassing tool for data interaction.