When a client application requests information from the server, it goes through the API. Which then accesses the request and processes a response from the server. The API then transfers the requested information from the endpoint to the application.
Your API is efficient if it can communicate effectively via its endpoints. It makes it easier for users to access resources, improving the user experience.
How Does an API Endpoint Work?
Integrated systems communicate through APIs. One system sends a request to the API, using a format like SOAP or REST. The server receives the requests and transfers the response back to the API. The location of that requested resource is the endpoint.
Before an endpoint processes a request, the client must provide a URL, headers, and a body. The headers contain metadata about a request and the body details data sent to the server. A server can also connect to a database that API methods can access.
API endpoints typically work with HTTP methods such as GET, DELETE, PATCH, or POST. The methods determine how to use an endpoint. When a client sends a request, it needs to formulate it to include the request method as well as the URL, for example:
Naming is difficult, whether it’s API endpoints, networked hardware devices, or functions and variables. You should learn about some best practices you can use to ensure your API endpoints are an asset.
1. Use a Forward Slash
Always use forward slashes to separate URI resources. Slashes also help to show resource hierarchy. The following is an example:
2. Use Nouns, Not Verbs
You should only use nouns to name a resource. Nouns describe what a resource is for as opposed to a verb that describes what a resource does. Here is an example of a good and a bad way to name the API endpoints.
Good naming:
Bad naming:
3. Use Plural Nouns, Not Singular
You should always name your API endpoints in plural nouns. This indicates to a user that there is more than one resource on the server. Using a singular noun may confuse the user into thinking there’s only one resource.
Good naming:
Bad naming:
4. Use Lowercase Letters
You should type all the URLs in lowercase. This includes API endpoint URLs. Here is an example:
Good naming:
Bad naming:
5. Use Hyphens to Separate Words
Use hyphens to separate combined words. Hyphens result in more readable phrases than camel case or underscores. They are also better for SEO purposes.
Good naming:
Bad naming:
6. Don’t Add File Extensions
You don’t need to add a file extension to your API endpoints. Although it doesn’t affect the output, an extension makes it harder to read the resource. It also makes the resource less flexible, breaking it if the extension changes in the future.
Good naming:
Bad naming:
7. Include Versioning
You should always name your API endpoints according to the version. This is important if you are making major changes to the API. It helps to differentiate between two or more API versions where the resource is coming from. You can indicate the version at the start of the endpoint.
For example:
Why Consider API Best Practises?
APIs have become the backbone of modern programming. They improve collaboration, encourage innovation and improve application security.
Whether using new tools or managing existing ones, APIs simplify the process. So it’s essential to have endpoints that improve the user experience. The naming and structure of your API endpoints determine the performance of your API.
Make sure you use best practices to create efficient API endpoints.
