Use nouns instead of verbs: Use nouns and noun phrases to name your endpoints. Avoid using verbs in your endpoint names, as this makes it difficult to create a clean and consistent API.
Use HTTP methods properly: Use HTTP methods (POST, GET, PUT, DELETE, PATCH) to perform different actions on your resources. For example, use POST to create a new resource, GET to retrieve a resource, PUT to update an existing resource, DELETE to delete a resource, and PATCH to partially update a resource.
Use consistent endpoint naming conventions: Use consistent naming conventions for your endpoints. Use lowercase letters, separate words with hyphens, and use plural nouns for endpoints that represent collections.
Use versioning: When making changes to your API, use versioning to ensure that your users can continue to use the previous version of your API until they are ready to move to the new version.
Use query parameters for filtering and sorting: Use query parameters to filter, sort, and paginate data. This makes it easier for developers to retrieve and manipulate data from your API.
Use meaningful HTTP status codes: Use meaningful HTTP status codes to indicate the status of a request. Use the appropriate HTTP status codes to indicate success, failure, errors, and exceptions.
Use consistent error handling: Use consistent error handling to provide developers with clear and concise error messages. Use error codes and error messages to help developers identify the cause of an error and resolve it quickly.
Use authentication and authorization: Use authentication and authorization to ensure that only authorized users can access your API. Use established authentication protocols, such as OAuth2 and JWT, to secure your API.
Provide documentation: Provide clear and comprehensive documentation for your API, including endpoint descriptions, examples, and usage instructions. This makes it easier for developers to use your API and helps prevent confusion or errors.
Test your API: Test your API thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected. Use automated tests to check for errors, validate responses, and ensure that your API is performing as intended.