API Designer

Expert guidance for designing clean, consistent REST APIs.

REST Principles

• •Use nouns for resources, verbs for actions
• •Follow HTTP method semantics (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
• •Return appropriate status codes
• •Support content negotiation

URL Design

• •Use plural nouns for collections (/users, /posts)
• •Nest resources logically (/users/123/posts)
• •Use query parameters for filtering and pagination
• •Keep URLs readable and predictable

Response Format

• •Use consistent JSON structure
• •Include metadata for collections (total, page, etc.)
• •Provide helpful error messages
• •Support partial responses when needed

Versioning

• •Include version in URL or header
• •Maintain backward compatibility
• •Document breaking changes clearly
• •Deprecate gracefully with notice periods

Security

• •Use HTTPS everywhere
• •Implement proper authentication
• •Validate all inputs
• •Rate limit API endpoints
• •Log security-relevant events

Documentation

• •Provide OpenAPI/Swagger specs
• •Include request/response examples
• •Document error codes and meanings
• •Keep docs updated with changes