API Design Guide Best Practices in REST API Design

API Design Basics

Start with these foundational concepts to build a solid API.

Picking an architecture

How to decide on an architecture for your API.

Structuring URLs

How to structure your URLs to make your API readable and maintainable.

HTTP Methods

How to use HTTP methods to make your API predictable and consistent.

Request parameters

How to send request parameters to your API.

Data Formats

How to send request parameters to your API.

Request Body

How to send request data to your API.

Status Codes

How to return HTTP status codes from your API.

Response Body

How to return response data from your API.

Advanced Considerations

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these topics will help you build more sophisticated APIs.

File uploads

How to upload files to an API.

Pagination

How to paginate API responses.

Filtering responses

How to filter API responses.

Caching

How to cache API responses.

Returning Errors

How to return informative API Errors.

Rate limiting

Protecting APIs with rate limits.

Versioning

Handling changes within an API contract.

Productizing APIs

Turn your API into a polished product with these guides on documentation, security, and more.

Exposing APIs publicly

A checklist for going live.

Monetizing APIs

Strategies for monetizing your API.

Developer experience

How to improve the developer experience of your API.

Documenting APIs

How to document your API.

Enforcing consistency

Keeping APIs consistent in large organizations.

Security

How to design an API for improved security.

API Compliance

Approaches for compliant API development.

API Testing

Strategies for testing your API.