Introduction

If you’re working on an API, you must make an effort to complete the task correctly. Keep in mind that other developers will incorporate your API into their projects. And if you want them to keep using it, you must do a good job with the design. To assist you, we’ll give you a few pointers on how to make your life – and the lives of your fellow developers – a lot easier.

And don’t worry, you’ll be able to apply these tips regardless of the type of API you’re working on. Without further ado, let’s get into the meat of the matter…

What are the Things to Consider For a Appealing API?

Make a list of everything important about your API.

Nobody enjoys writing documentation. However, you must keep in mind that documentation is extremely important to your future users. Whatever the format – for example, JavaScript API documentation – it is critical for both you and your users.

This is because it assists users in properly implementing everything and, as a result, attracts new users with its ease of use. Your documentation should include the following:

An overview of the API design and how your API operates

All of your API’s public methods and protocols

Code segments that demonstrate how to use your API

If you do the documentation correctly, you will not have to answer a slew of questions from your coworkers. And if you’re still frustrated with your documentation, try putting yourself in their shoes. Would it be easier for you to implement an API if you had some instructions? It would, of course. As a result, you should do your best.

You must be specific.

Your methods should be named explicitly. If the name of your method is unclear to end users, you will give them a headache and cause yourself a slew of problems down the road. Users cannot be expected to understand your code as well as you do.

For example, if the purpose of your method is to return an ID, you should name it getID. That name is self-explanatory and will not cause the user to spend hours staring at the screen in confusion. You should not expect users to solve your API’s problems. As a result, be as specific as possible when naming your methods, classes, and modules.

You should give the user some control, but not too much.

Consider allowing users to choose their own method of implementing your API when designing it. Almost every developer, you see, has a unique method of operation. As a result, you should try to meet the needs of your users. If your API can be used in multiple ways, it is more likely to have a larger user base.

At the same time, you should avoid going overboard. You will have a problem if you give your users too many options. This means you should try to strike a balance. You have the option of making your API open-source, but you should think about it carefully.

Some programmers dislike it when others tamper with their code. And if you’re one of those people, you should consider creating a closed API.

Make your API testable by writing some tests.

On the other hand, you’ll almost certainly have to make some changes to your code, and nothing beats testing when it comes to making sudden changes. Of course, once you’ve made some changes, don’t forget to properly document them because some of your users will want to know about all of the changes you make in the future.

You should also make your API testable. And, despite what it may appear to be, you must understand that this is not the same as testing. By making an API testable, you allow users to experiment with their code. Optional configuration options for debugging and production versions could also be used.

Reduce dependencies as much as you can

As previously stated, it all comes down to balance. Users of your API will have a lot of trouble understanding the implementation process if you have too many dependencies. Your code should be as self-contained as possible. We’re talking about striking a balance between repeating your code several times in some places and tight coupling.

If there is no other option, you should use someone else’s code, but keep it as simple as possible. A good way to do this is to extract the necessary code and implement it in your own code. You’ll be able to avoid the pitfall of making your API completely reliant on someone else’s work by doing so. And with that, we’re finished…

Conclusion

We went over some of the most important tips for making your API easy for other programmers to understand and use. Designing an API is no laughing matter because it will be used in a plethora of projects. We hope you found this article informative and helpful, and if you have any comments, please leave them in the comment section below.