API Development: 4 Best Practices to Avoid Unwanted Errors

APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces , are a means of exchanging information between different systems, something that is highly sought after today. Therefore, API development is an increasingly requested skill for IT professionals in companies.

These integrations lead to improved performance across various technological solutions, such as websites, applications, bots , and more. In an increasingly connected world, these tools are proving essential.

Companies today use more than one software program to manage their business, and these systems don't always have native integrations. This has created a high demand for developers and programmers. 

In this article, we'll discuss 5 best practices to avoid unwanted errors when developing an API. 

What is an API? 

First, it's worth remembering some concepts about APIs; as already mentioned, they are a mediation tool between systems. In this relationship, one system "offers" a communication interface for another system to access its functions, data, and resources.

In other words, APIs are a set of routines and standards defined by a developer to facilitate the exchange of information between systems. 

The platform or software that receives the information does not need to know how that data was implemented, and this facilitates integrations between different types of systems. 

There are various types of APIs, because each one is created according to the needs of its developer; furthermore, these tools can be created in different programming languages. 

When developing an API, in addition to good development itself, one must consider creating concise and clear documentation that facilitates its implementation.

A common feature among APIs is the use of a predefined data format, such as XML or YAML, for exchanges between systems. JSON is the most widely used for APIs created for web applications; in addition, there is an additional standard called REST. 

Learn more about the definition of API in the article: "What is an API?" .

Advantages of an API

Generally, an API is created when a company that owns software wants other companies to create products associated with it. When well-developed, an API offers simplified integration of features from various platforms. 

APIs also facilitate maintenance and promote greater software security. In addition, they foster innovation within the corporate culture, as they enable partnerships and assist in the development of customized solutions.  

These tools also help reduce manual work within a company, and a single API can send data to desktop programs, websites, and mobile applications.  

Best practices for API development

The API is designed to be accessed by a large number of developers, so when you start developing your tool, pay attention to some best practices. 

If the API is confusing and lacks descriptive detail, its use may be difficult, leading users to seek other solutions. Maintaining a well-structured and standardized API will lead to greater utilization of your work. 

• 1. Use the REST standard 

Lack of standardization can be a major problem for a development team when developing an API. Therefore, instead of using endpoints with verbs, opt for the REST standard. 

For example, replacing “api/product/create_new” with “api/product” using the HTTP POST method. Simpler and within a widely used standard, however, the translation to REST is not always straightforward. But try to have a solid foundation. 

• 2. HTTP Status Codes

As soon as a developer makes a request to the server via an API, they should receive feedback on that request – whether it's negative or positive. And if the request fails, the reason for the failure must be provided. 

That is precisely the function of HTTP status codes, for example:

2xx (Success)

Codes that begin with the number 2 mean that the request was successfully received and processed by the server. For example:

201 – Created: This means that a given instance was successfully created.

4xx (Client-side error)

Codes that begin with the number 4 mean that the client made an incorrect request to the API. An example of such a status code is shown below:

404 – Not Found: indicates that the resource requested by the user is not available or does not exist.

5xx (Server Error)

Codes that begin with the number 5 mean that the user made the request correctly, however, something went wrong with the server. For example:

500 – Internal Server Error: indicates that the request is valid, but an unexpected error occurred on the server.

• 3. Standardization of code writing

Standardization is the key word a developer needs to keep in mind when creating an API, and for good code writing and readability, it's no different: standardize your code writing.

It is advisable that everyone on your team adopt the same writing language standard, thus avoiding difficult-to-understand and messy code. 

• 4. Filters and pagination

These features are present in most APIs, so developers need to specify how filters and pagination will be used within the request URL. But how do you implement these features? 

• Filters: A good practice for a basic filter would be: GET/projects?order=responsible&like=skyone
• Pagination: If the amount of data is very large, a good practice is to divide it into parts, or pages. Example: GET /projects?perPage=20&page=4

Technologies that aid API development

Another option is to hire an iPaaS platform service that integrates all systems, such as Integra.Sky. This way, it's not necessary to spend so much time creating new functionalities and applications. 

The iPaaS integration platform as a service is a suite of automated tools for connecting software applications used in different environments, such as the cloud and on-premises systems.

This makes it the best option for integrating Desktop and SaaS systems quickly and efficiently, without the headache of creating complex APIs.

With Integra.Sky you connect systems, software, applications and automate your company's data and processes on a single platform. Ensure scalability, security and agility for your complex integrations, regardless of your business area.

The Integra.Sky team also offers the option of contracting onboarding, mapping of builds and integrations, and training for using the application. The technology requires minimal learning, making it more accessible to your team members. 

Using an integration platform to automate data exchange between systems reduces the number of errors and speeds up processes!

Understand how it works in practice here: Integra.Sky.

Written by Skyone