Api Patterns

API Patterns

> API design principles and decision-making for 2025. > Learn to THINK, not copy fixed patterns.

Selective Reading Rule

Read ONLY files relevant to the request! Check the content map, find what you need.

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Content Map

| File | Description | When to Read | |------|-------------|--------------| | api-style.md | REST vs GraphQL vs tRPC decision tree | Choosing API type | | rest.md | Resource naming, HTTP methods, status codes | Designing REST API | | response.md | Envelope pattern, error format, pagination | Response structure | | graphql.md | Schema design, when to use, security | Considering GraphQL | | trpc.md | TypeScript monorepo, type safety | TS fullstack projects | | versioning.md | URI/Header/Query versioning | API evolution planning | | auth.md | JWT, OAuth, Passkey, API Keys | Auth pattern selection | | rate-limiting.md | Token bucket, sliding window | API protection | | documentation.md | OpenAPI/Swagger best practices | Documentation | | security-testing.md | OWASP API Top 10, auth/authz testing | Security audits |

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Related Skills

| Need | Skill | |------|-------| | API implementation | @[skills/python-patterns] | | Data structure | @[skills/database-design] | | Security details | @[skills/vulnerability-scanner] |

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Decision Checklist

Before designing an API:

• [ ] Asked user about API consumers?
• [ ] Chosen API style for THIS context? (REST/GraphQL/tRPC)
• [ ] Defined consistent response format?
• [ ] Planned versioning strategy?
• [ ] Considered authentication needs?
• [ ] Planned rate limiting?
• [ ] Documentation approach defined?

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Anti-Patterns

DON'T:

• Default to REST for everything
• Use verbs in REST endpoints (/getUsers)
• Return inconsistent response formats
• Expose internal errors to clients
• Skip rate limiting

DO:

• Choose API style based on context
• Ask about client requirements
• Document thoroughly
• Use appropriate status codes

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Script

| Script | Purpose | Command | |--------|---------|---------| | scripts/api_validator.py | API endpoint validation | python scripts/api_validator.py |

Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

• Author: paulojalowyj
• Source: paulojalowyj/openkit
• License: MIT
• Homepage: https://linktr.ee/paulojalowyj

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.