With the popularity of API driven application formats like OpenAPIs and API Blueprint the development process of API development is changing. The API developers are making their serious efforts to build Apis based on historical usage and best practices. Many companies like Matrix Marketers have adopted this approach.

API contract is readable by humans and machines, helping to streamline adoption and improve interoperability between applications.

When it comes to using API description formats, two important methods emerged: The “Design First” and the “Code First” approach to API development.

The traditional approach is to follow Code First strategy to build APIs. In this approach, the business requirements are gathered and feasibility analysis is done as per SDLC before any code is developed.

The Design First approach starts with the designing of API’s contract first before writing any code. This is a new way of designing the APIs and less time to consume. This approach is fast catching on, especially with the use of API description formats.

Although the comparison between the two approaches is quite difficult because one is the traditional old approach following old processes and a design approach is a new approach. It would be better than we call it a upgradation approach.

The business opportunity is studied and analyzed to develop a plan to capitalize on it. A detailed text document by strategists, analysts, and other business folks are created.

A tangible form is thus created once the development team passes the document There are two possibilities from here on to develop the API:

Design Approach: A human and machine friendly contract is created first such as a detailed document, to further develop the code of the API.

Code Approach: The project starts with coding as per the business plan. It often requires expertise to understand the business logic by the developers. The developers must not commit any mistake in understanding the business logic.

Once the API starts functioning, it is sufficiently tested and then deployed to a suitable host.

Choosing the right approach

A mixed approach regarding both the strategies can be drawn out of the comparison of the two. Ultimately, it all depends on the immediate need and the real-time situations. When you consider these two factors, you are able to decide the suitable approach.

Design First Approach

When Developer Experience Matters

A well-developed API is a bliss for the developers and can do wonders for the adoption and consumption of your APIs, and good design can be better achieved with the Design First approach. To access the API of this design the rich developer’s experience is required. When we start implementing APIs with the design approach, the continuous fall in design decreases the learning which brings down the value and engagement of the API down.

When Delivering Mission Critical APIs

The biggest reason to go for the Design First approach is when your API’s target audiences are external customers or partners, APIs are the intermediate distribution channel for end users to consume the services you provide. Here the good design plays a key role in determining customer satisfaction. Such APIs play a critical role in representing your organization’s services, especially in an omnichannel ecosystem, where consistency in information and hassle-free consumption is an important indicator of business success.

When Ensuring Good Communication

The contract is treated as the central draft to keep all your team members aligned on what your API’s objectives are, and how your API’s resources are exposed. The human-readable design makes it easy to Identify bugs and issues in APIs. The design issues are to be handled in the beginning itself because at the later stage, it becomes highly difficult to implement the changes.

Code First Approach

When Delivery Speedy Matters

This approach helps in developing fast APIs as soon as you get the business requirement. The code first strategy helps in strengthening the API as a plenty of time can be given to the development team for developing a standard code. You can include a number of libraries which can provide server support, functional testing and deployment automation.

When Developing Internal APIs

Fast speed, automation, and reduced process complexity are some of the main features of code first APIs. A code first approach is an ideal approach if the API has to be developed for in-house use. This will be true for the internal uses for the APIs having few endpoints.

Conclusion

There are positives and negatives to both approaches. Much depends in case of API development that how they will be consumed? Who are your API’s end consumers? What needs do they have? How will API impact your application? These are the types of questions that should guide your decision making when it comes to choosing the right methodology to your API development.