api-design

Design RESTful APIs with resource-based URLs, HTTP methods, and status codes.

Updated Dec 15, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/neokn/dotClaude --skill api-design-neokn
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: api-design
Source: https://github.com/neokn/dotClaude/tree/main/skills/api-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/neokn/dotClaude --skill api-design-neokn

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill guides developers in designing RESTful APIs with best practices, ensuring consistency and scalability across services.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Consistent API contracts: Establish naming, versioning, and error handling standards.
  • Designer-friendly guidelines: Clear structure for endpoints, methods, and responses.
  • Use Case: When adding a new service, follow these guidelines to define resources, methods, and responses.

Quick Start

Design a new /orders endpoint with GET/POST, 200/201 responses, and version v1.

Frequently Asked Questions about api-design

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I design a REST API with consistent naming conventions and HTTP methods?

REST API design uses resource-based URL naming with plural nouns, standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), and proper status codes. This ensures endpoints are predictable, scalable, and follow industry conventions across your backend services.

What's the best way to version REST APIs?

API versioning via URL prefixes (e.g., /v1/) and Accept headers maintains backward compatibility as your API evolves. This approach lets clients pin to stable versions while you deploy new features without breaking existing integrations.

How do I structure consistent JSON responses and error handling in APIs?

Standardized JSON response formats with consistent error structures, status codes, and metadata enable predictable client parsing and debugging. Applying uniform contracts across endpoints reduces integration friction and improves API usability.

What pagination approach should I use for large API result sets?

Cursor-based and offset pagination provide scalable ways to traverse large datasets in REST APIs. Cursor pagination performs better at scale; offset pagination suits smaller datasets and is simpler to implement.

Do I need API design guidelines when building microservices?

Yes. API design best practices ensure microservices expose consistent contracts, reducing coupling and integration overhead. Clear endpoint structure, versioning, and response standards enable independent service evolution.