API Design Guide Best Practices in REST API Design
Resources
API Design Guide
Welcome to our comprehensive API design guide. This collection of resources helps you build APIs that are user-friendly, understandable, and maintainable.
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.