What type of API status code generally represents a server error after a failed API request?

The status code that represents a server error after a failed API request is part of the 5xx class of HTTP status codes. These codes indicate that there is a problem with the server fulfilling a valid request. When a developer receives a 5xx response, it typically signifies an issue on the server-side, such as an unhandled exception, server overload, or a failure in the server's functionality.

In contrast, the 2xx status codes indicate success, meaning the request was successfully received, understood, and accepted. On the other hand, the 4xx codes represent client errors, suggesting that the request contains bad syntax or cannot be fulfilled, while the 3xx codes indicate redirection, which is related to the request being redirected to a different endpoint or resource.

Thus, understanding that 5xx codes are specifically for errors occurring within the server helps developers diagnose and handle such situations effectively in their applications.