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api-and-interface-design

Guide REST API and GraphQL schema design with contract-first principles.

Updated Jul 6, 2026
Search Tags:#typescript#architecture#api#rest#contract#interface
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/shirulot/codex-skill --skill api-and-interface-design-shirulot
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: api-and-interface-design
Source: https://github.com/shirulot/codex-skill/tree/main/api-and-interface-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/shirulot/codex-skill --skill api-and-interface-design-shirulot

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill addresses the challenge of creating stable, predictable, and maintainable interfaces that minimize breaking changes and reduce integration friction between system components.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Contract-First Design: Provides a framework for defining API schemas and type contracts before implementation to ensure alignment.
  • Error Semantics & Validation: Standardizes error handling and input validation strategies to ensure system reliability at boundaries.
  • Use Case: When designing a new microservice or public-facing API, use this skill to ensure your endpoints follow RESTful conventions, implement proper pagination, and maintain backward compatibility through additive changes.

Quick Start

Use the api-and-interface-design skill to review my current API schema and suggest improvements for better error handling and versioning.

Frequently Asked Questions about api-and-interface-design

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I design a REST API that avoids breaking changes?▼

To prevent breaking changes in REST API design, define strict type contracts before implementation and apply additive changes to maintain backward compatibility. This approach minimizes integration friction and ensures predictable, version-resilient endpoints.

What is Hyrum's Law and how does it affect interface design?▼

Hyrum's Law states that all observable behaviors of your interface will be depended upon by users. Designing software interfaces with strict boundary validation and consistent error semantics mitigates the risk of breaking these implicit contracts.

How do I standardize error handling and input validation for microservices?▼

Standardize error semantics by implementing consistent error handling and input validation strategies at system boundaries. This ensures microservice reliability and predictable integration friction across internal module contracts.

Can I use contract-first design for both GraphQL schemas and internal module contracts?▼

Yes, contract-first design applies to GraphQL schema design, REST API development, and internal module contract definition. Defining schemas before implementation ensures alignment and strict boundary validation across systems.

What is the best way to review an existing API schema for better versioning?▼

The best way to review an API schema for versioning is evaluating it against RESTful conventions, error semantics, and pagination. Ensure backward compatibility through additive changes rather than modifying existing contracts.

When should I not use additive changes for API versioning?▼

Additive changes for API versioning become insufficient when fundamental architecture shifts are required. If strict boundary validation and consistent error semantics cannot resolve integration friction, a major version bump is necessary.

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