An API-first system is designed around its interfaces from day one. Instead of building screens first and bolting on an API later, the API is the foundation, and web screens, mobile apps and partners all use it.
Benefits
- Faster integrations with ERPs, CRMs, payment and logistics providers
- Mobile apps reuse the same business logic as the website
- Partners and customers can connect without custom one-off work
- Future-proofing: front ends can change without rewriting the core
Good API practices
| Practice | Why |
|---|---|
| OpenAPI documentation | Developers understand and test the API quickly |
| Versioning | Changes do not break existing clients |
| Authentication and scopes | Each client gets only the access it needs |
| Rate limiting | Protects the system from overload |
| Webhooks | Partners are notified of events instead of polling |