api-design

Guide RESTful API design covering resource naming, HTTP methods, status codes, and pagination.

3|Updated Jul 28, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dileep-kishore/zendots --skill api-design-dileep-kishore
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: api-design
Source: https://github.com/dileep-kishore/zendots/tree/main/private_dot_claude/skills/api-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dileep-kishore/zendots --skill api-design-dileep-kishore

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a comprehensive guide to designing RESTful APIs that are consistent, developer-friendly, and production-ready, addressing common pitfalls in resource naming, status codes, pagination, and error handling.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Resource Design: Best practices for URL structure and naming conventions.
  • HTTP Semantics: Correct usage of methods and status codes.
  • Response Formatting: Standardized success, collection, and error response structures.
  • Advanced Features: Guidance on pagination, filtering, sorting, versioning, and rate limiting.
  • Use Case: When designing a new set of API endpoints for a user management system, use this Skill to ensure consistent resource naming (e.g., /api/v1/users), appropriate HTTP methods (POST for creation, GET for retrieval), and a clear error response format for validation failures.

Quick Start

Consult the API design skill for best practices on resource naming and HTTP status codes.

Frequently Asked Questions about api-design

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

FAQPage Schema
What are the best practices for REST API resource naming and URL structure?

REST API resource naming best practices involve using clear, consistent plural nouns for URL paths, such as /api/v1/users, to ensure endpoints are developer-friendly and logically structured for production readiness.

How do I structure error responses and use HTTP status codes in web services?

Structure error responses in web services by utilizing correct HTTP status code semantics, returning standardized formats that clearly indicate validation failures or server errors, ensuring consistent and predictable API client handling.

When should I use cursor-based pagination instead of offset-based pagination?

Use cursor-based pagination instead of offset-based pagination in REST APIs when handling large datasets, as cursors provide more stable performance during real-time data shifts by avoiding the overhead of offset recalculation.

Does this API design guide include implementation patterns for backend development?

Yes, the API design guide includes backend development implementation patterns specifically tailored for TypeScript, Python, and Go, providing concrete examples for resource naming, HTTP methods, and response formatting.

How do I implement rate limiting and authentication for RESTful APIs?

Implement rate limiting and authentication for RESTful APIs by applying dedicated strategies for authorization checks and request throttling, effectively protecting web services endpoints from unauthorized access and excessive traffic load.