api-design-principles

RESTful API design best practices involve structuring endpoints around resources, using correct HTTP method semantics, and implementing standard patterns for pagination, filtering, and error handling to build intuitive and scalable interfaces.

To handle pagination, filtering, and error handling in a scalable API, apply established patterns for resource slicing and return consistent, informative error responses to ensure the interface remains maintainable and intuitive for consumers.

The best way to design a GraphQL schema is through schema-first development, structuring queries and mutations logically, and implementing DataLoader to batch requests and solve the N+1 problem for efficient data fetching.

API versioning strategies for microservices should balance backward compatibility with maintainability, allowing you to iterate on resource-oriented architecture and HTTP semantics without breaking existing clients.

Choose GraphQL over REST when you need schema-first development and efficient, client-driven data fetching, whereas REST is often preferred for resource-oriented architecture and standard HTTP method semantics.