api-architect

Define contract-first REST API designs with OpenAPI 3.1 governance.

1|Updated Jan 18, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/fajjarnr/payu --skill api-architect-fajjarnr
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: api-architect
Source: https://github.com/fajjarnr/payu/tree/main/.agent/skills/api-architect
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/fajjarnr/payu --skill api-architect-fajjarnr

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Organizations struggle to design consistent, scalable REST APIs and enforce OpenAPI-driven contracts across teams.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Contract-first Design: Define OpenAPI 3.1 contracts before coding to ensure consistency.
  • Governance & Validation: Enforce API standards (versioning, envelopes, idempotency) with automated checks (Spectral) and clear error schemas.
  • Implementation Guidance: Provide patterns for REST, GraphQL, and data validation in Python/Java ecosystems.
  • Use Case: A payments service requires stable, versioned endpoints, consistent error handling, and generate client SDKs from the contract.

Quick Start

Draft a contract-first OpenAPI 3.1 spec for a new payments service, then implement endpoints to match the contract and include standard response envelopes and idempotency headers.

Frequently Asked Questions about api-architect

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

FAQPage Schema
What is contract-first REST API design and when do I need it?

Contract-first REST API design defines your OpenAPI 3.1 specification before writing application code. You need it for multi-service architectures requiring consistent URL structures, versioning, and standardized error envelopes to ensure interoperability.

How do I enforce OpenAPI governance and validation across multiple services?

You can enforce OpenAPI governance by applying automated checks using Spectral. This validates API standards like versioning, idempotency headers, and consistent error schemas across your multi-service architecture to maintain interoperability.

Can I generate client SDKs from an OpenAPI contract for a payments service?

Yes, you can generate client SDKs from an OpenAPI contract. By drafting a contract-first OpenAPI 3.1 spec for your payments service, you can use code-generation tooling to produce interoperable client libraries matching the defined endpoints.

What's the best way to standardize error envelopes and versioning in REST APIs?

The best way to standardize error envelopes and versioning is through contract-first OpenAPI design. By defining clear error schemas and versioning policies in your OpenAPI 3.1 contract, you enforce consistency using Spectral validation.

Does contract-first API design work with Python and Java ecosystems?

Yes, contract-first API design provides implementation guidance and data validation patterns specifically for Python and Java ecosystems. You define the OpenAPI contract first, then implement endpoints to match the contract within your chosen environment.

When should I not use contract-first REST API design?

You should avoid contract-first REST API design for rapid prototyping or single-service applications where strict API governance is unnecessary. The overhead of defining OpenAPI contracts and Spectral validation suits stable, multi-service architectures better.