| name | api-design |
| description | Master REST and GraphQL API design principles to build intuitive, scalable, and maintainable APIs. Use when designing new APIs, reviewing API specifications, or establishing API design standards. |
| license | Complete terms in LICENSE.txt |
API Design Principles
Master REST and GraphQL API design principles to build intuitive, scalable, and maintainable APIs that delight developers and stand the test of time.
When to Use This Skill
- Designing new REST or GraphQL APIs
- Refactoring existing APIs for better usability
- Establishing API design standards for your team
- Reviewing API specifications before implementation
- Migrating between API paradigms (REST to GraphQL, etc.)
- Creating developer-friendly API documentation
- Optimizing APIs for specific use cases (mobile, third-party integrations)
Core Concepts
1. RESTful Design Principles
Resource-Oriented Architecture
- Resources are nouns (users, orders, products), not verbs
- Use HTTP methods for actions (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE)
- URLs represent resource hierarchies
- Consistent naming conventions
HTTP Methods Semantics:
GET: Retrieve resources (idempotent, safe)POST: Create new resourcesPUT: Replace entire resource (idempotent)PATCH: Partial resource updatesDELETE: Remove resources (idempotent)
2. GraphQL Design Principles
Schema-First Development
- Types define your domain model
- Queries for reading data
- Mutations for modifying data
- Subscriptions for real-time updates
Query Structure:
- Clients request exactly what they need
- Single endpoint, multiple operations
- Strongly typed schema
- Introspection built-in
3. API Versioning Strategies
URL Versioning:
/api/v1/users
/api/v2/users
Header Versioning:
Accept: application/vnd.api+json; version=1
Query Parameter Versioning:
/api/users?version=1
Bundled Resources
assets/api-design-checklist.md: A comprehensive checklist for reviewing API designs.assets/rest-api-template.py: A boilerplate for starting a RESTful API project.references/rest-best-practices.md: Detailed guide on REST best practices.references/graphql-schema-design.md: Guide for GraphQL schema design.
