The Principles of API Design

By James Higginbotham
Apr 4, 2022

📄 Contents

␡

The Elements of Web API Design
API Design Is Communication
Reviewing the Principles of Software Design
Resource-Based API Design
Resources Are Not Object or Domain Models
Resource-Based APIs Exchange Messages
The Principles of Web API Design
Summary

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This chapter is from the book 

Principles of Web API Design: Delivering Value with APIs and Microservices

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The Principles of Web API Design

An API design approach must include a balance between robust digital capabilities and a focus on a great developer experience that supports quick and easy integration. It must be rooted in a series of principles that create a solid foundation. These five principles establish the necessary foundation and are detailed throughout this book:

Principle 1: APIs should never be designed in isolation. Collaborative API design is essential for a great API. (Chapter 2)
Principle 2: API design starts with an outcome-based focus. A focus on the outcome ensures the API delivers value to everyone. (Chapters 3–6)
Principle 3: Select the API design elements that match the need. Trying to find the perfect API style is a fruitless endeavor. Instead, seek to understand and apply the API elements appropriate for the need, whether that is REST, GraphQL, gRPC, or an emerging style just entering the industry. (Chapters 7–12)
Principle 4: API documentation is the most important user interface for developers. Therefore, API documentation should be first class and not left as a last-minute task. (Chapter 13)
Principle 5: APIs are forever, so plan accordingly. Thoughtful API design combined with an evolutionary design approach makes APIs resilient to change. (Chapter 14)

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