To ensure that API clients have a consistent and reliable experience, the API will incorporate both REST and GraphQL endpoints following best practices in API versioning and documentation. The GraphQL schema will serve as the foundation for the API design.
API Versioning Strategy
As the API evolves, it is critical to manage versions effectively to prevent breaking changes for the users. The versioning strategy defined will follow Semantic Versioning (SemVer) and implement a URL-based versioning system for REST and custom directives for GraphQL.
Acceptance Criteria
[ ] The API URL for REST will include the major version number as a prefix (e.g., /v1/...).
[ ] GraphQL schema includes deprecated directives for fields that are phased out in future releases.
[ ] Clients receive API deprecation warnings in the header when using REST.
[ ] Each major API version is supported for at least one year after the release of the subsequent version.
[ ] New fields and types added to GraphQL can be accessed without version change, as long as they don’t break existing functionality.
[ ] A clear changelog is maintained with each version release documenting any deprecations, additions, or changes to the API.
[ ] Proper version sunset policies should be communicated well in advance to API consumers.
graph TD;
A[REST Endpoint /v1/] --> B[REST Endpoint /v2/];
A --> C[GraphQL Endpoint];
B --> D[REST Endpoint /v3/];
C --> E[GraphQL Deprecations];
E --> F[New GraphQL Features];
D --> G[Future REST Versions];
API Documentation
Comprehensive and up-to-date documentation is vital for API adoption and client integration. The documentation should be easily accessible and part of the API's development lifecycle.
Acceptance Criteria
[ ] API documentation is version-controlled along with the codebase.
[ ] REST and GraphQL endpoints are documented with example requests and responses.
[ ] Authentication and authorization mechanisms are clearly outlined.
[ ] Interactive documentation using tools like Swagger for REST and GraphiQL for GraphQL is available.
[ ] Error codes and common troubleshooting tips are documented.
[ ] Endpoint rate limits and quota information are provided.
[ ] Documentation includes a 'Getting Started' guide for new users.
[ ] Live examples and tutorials are periodically updated to demonstrate best practices.
sequenceDiagram
participant Developer as Dev
participant Documentation as Docs
participant REST_API
participant GraphQL_API
Dev->>Docs: Access documentation
Docs->>REST_API: Describe REST examples
Docs->>GraphQL_API: Describe GraphQL examples
REST_API->>Dev: Show interactive examples
GraphQL_API->>Dev: Show interactive examples
Versioning and Documentation for API Design
To ensure that API clients have a consistent and reliable experience, the API will incorporate both REST and GraphQL endpoints following best practices in API versioning and documentation. The GraphQL schema will serve as the foundation for the API design.
API Versioning Strategy
As the API evolves, it is critical to manage versions effectively to prevent breaking changes for the users. The versioning strategy defined will follow Semantic Versioning (SemVer) and implement a URL-based versioning system for REST and custom directives for GraphQL.
Acceptance Criteria
API Documentation
Comprehensive and up-to-date documentation is vital for API adoption and client integration. The documentation should be easily accessible and part of the API's development lifecycle.
Acceptance Criteria