API Design Best Practices 📚

1. Naming Conventions

Use RESTful API principles for consistent naming:

• Resource-based endpoints (e.g., /api/users instead of /api/user_list)
• Nouns for resources, verbs for actions (e.g., GET /api/products, POST /api/orders)
• Pluralization to avoid confusion (e.g., GET /api/articles vs. GET /api/article)

2. Versioning Strategy

Implement versioning to manage changes:

• URL versioning: GET /api/v1/users
• Header versioning: Accept: application/vnd.myapi.v1+json
• Query parameter versioning: GET /api/users?version=1

3. Security Best Practices

• Authentication: Use OAuth 2.0 or JWT (e.g., /api/data requires Authorization header)
• Rate limiting: Prevent abuse with tools like API_Rate_Limiting
• Data validation: Avoid injection attacks via strict input checks

4. Error Handling

• Standard status codes:
  • 400 Bad Request
  • 401 Unauthorized
  • 404 Not Found
  • 500 Internal Server Error
• Detailed error messages: Include error and message fields in JSON responses

5. Documentation

• Swagger/OpenAPI: Generate interactive docs with /api/docs
• Consistent format: Use markdown for clarity (e.g., /en/videos/tutorials/api/endpoint_design)
• Examples: Provide sample requests/responses for each endpoint

For deeper insights, check our tutorial on endpoint design: /en/videos/tutorials/api/endpoint_design