API Endpoint

API endpoints are the touchpoints where clients interact with server functionality.

Endpoint structure

• Base URL: https://api.example.com
• Path: /v1/users/123
• Method: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH
• Parameters: Query strings, path params, body

RESTful conventions

• GET /users - List all users
• GET /users/123 - Get user 123
• POST /users - Create new user
• PUT /users/123 - Update user 123
• DELETE /users/123 - Delete user 123

Best practices

• Use nouns for resources, verbs for actions.
• Version your APIs (/v1/, /v2/).
• Return appropriate HTTP status codes.
• Document with OpenAPI/Swagger.
• Implement rate limiting.

Security

• Authenticate requests (OAuth, API keys, JWT).
• Validate all input data.
• Use HTTPS for all endpoints.
• Implement CORS policies.