api-and-interface-design

To prevent breaking changes in a REST API, adopt a contract-first approach by defining interface specifications before implementation. Enforce additive evolution and consistent naming conventions to introduce new capabilities without disrupting existing client integrations.

Contract-first API design involves defining interface specifications and data models before writing implementation code. Use this approach when designing REST or GraphQL services to establish clear specs, reduce team miscommunication, and prevent module misuse before deployment.

Set up consistent error handling by choosing a single error strategy and applying it uniformly across all REST and GraphQL endpoints. This improves client predictability and ensures consistent error semantics when frontend and backend components interact across system boundaries.

Validate inputs at API boundaries to prevent untrusted data from propagating inward into your system. Enforcing boundary validation rules on incoming REST and GraphQL requests ensures only properly formatted data reaches internal modules and backend components.

Yes, you can define module boundaries and public interfaces for both frontend and backend components. Establishing clear module contracts prevents misuse and ensures stable communication across different parts of the overall system architecture.

The best way to evolve an API schema without breaking existing clients is through additive evolution. Add new fields and capabilities in a backward-compatible manner while enforcing consistent naming conventions across all REST and GraphQL endpoints.