api-design

To prevent breaking changes in a NuGet package API, apply extend-only design principles that ensure source, binary, and wire compatibility. This approach adds new features without altering existing functionality, keeping consumer upgrades smooth.

The best way to version a public API for compatibility is to implement semantic versioning alongside strict deprecation patterns. This signals changes clearly to consumers and manages transitions without forcing immediate breaks in distributed systems.

Extend-only API design works by adding new endpoints, parameters, or types without modifying or removing existing ones. This preserves wire and source compatibility across distributed systems, ensuring existing clients continue functioning uninterrupted.

Manage API deprecation by marking old methods or parameters as obsolete while introducing replacements. Following strict deprecation patterns provides consumers a transition window, minimizing friction and avoiding sudden breaking changes.

Yes, automated API approval testing catches source and binary compatibility issues by reviewing public API surface changes. It enforces extend-only principles, validating naming conventions and parameter ordering before release.

Public API design should follow consistent naming conventions and stable parameter ordering to prevent breaking changes. Keeping mandatory parameters first and appending new ones at the end maintains source compatibility across versions.