1. RESTful API Design Principles
RESTful API Design

Designing RESTful APIs starts with understanding how resources are represented and accessed. Using proper HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and clear endpoint structures helps keep APIs predictable and developer-friendly.

  • Use nouns for endpoint names and avoid verbs.
  • Utilize standard HTTP status codes for clarity.
  • Ensure stateless communication for scalability.
2. Authentication & Authorization
Authentication & Authorization

Securing APIs is critical to protect sensitive data. Authentication verifies the identity of users, while authorization ensures that only permitted users can access specific resources.

  • Implement OAuth 2.0 and JWT for secure token-based access.
  • Limit access with scopes and roles for different users.
  • Rotate API keys periodically for added protection.
3. API Versioning & Documentation
API Versioning & Documentation

APIs evolve over time. Using versioning (like /v1/, /v2/) ensures backward compatibility while adding new features.

  • Use URI versioning or headers to manage changes.
  • Document endpoints, request/response formats, and errors.
  • Provide interactive documentation using Swagger or Redoc.
4. API Performance Optimization
API Performance Optimization

Optimizing API performance ensures fast and responsive applications. Caching, pagination, compression, and minimizing payload sizes are common techniques.

  • Implement server-side caching for repeated requests.
  • Use pagination for large data sets.
  • Minify JSON responses to reduce bandwidth.
5. Testing & Monitoring APIs
API Testing & Monitoring

Thorough API testing includes unit, integration, and performance tests to ensure that APIs are robust and reliable.

  • Use Postman or Newman for functional testing.
  • Set up CI pipelines for continuous integration testing.
  • Monitor uptime and response time with tools like Prometheus or Datadog.
6. API Integration with Third-Party Services
API Integration with Third-Party Services

APIs enable integration with external services such as payment gateways, CRMs, cloud platforms, and analytics tools.

  • Manage rate limits and retries for reliability.
  • Handle various response formats and errors gracefully.
  • Securely store and refresh third-party tokens.