skills.rest
ThibautBaissac
ThibautBaissacCOMMUNITY
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api-versioning

Version Rails APIs with URL path, header, and query parameter strategies.

643|80|Updated Dec 9, 2025
Search Tags:#authentication#rest#backward-compatibility#rails#api-versioning#versioned-endpoints#request-specs
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ThibautBaissac/rails_ai_agents --skill api-versioning-thibautbaissac
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: api-versioning
Source: https://github.com/ThibautBaissac/rails_ai_agents/tree/main/skills/api-versioning
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ThibautBaissac/rails_ai_agents --skill api-versioning-thibautbaissac

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Rails APIs often struggle with backward compatibility as they evolve, leading to breaking changes that impact clients.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • URL Path versioning with namespaces (e.g., /api/v1, /api/v2) to isolate changes.
  • Header or Accept-based version negotiation for flexible clients.
  • Base controllers and versioned controllers with shared error handling and authentication.
  • Use Case: Maintain a public API while iterating new features in v2 without disrupting existing clients.

Quick Start

Implement URL path versioning by placing API resources under Api::V1 and Api::V2 namespaces.

Frequently Asked Questions about api-versioning

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I version a Rails API without breaking existing client integrations?▼

You can prevent breaking client integrations by isolating changes using URL path namespaces like /api/v1 and /api/v2, or by applying header-based version negotiation to maintain backward compatibility while iterating new features.

What is the best way to structure controllers for versioned endpoints in Rails?▼

The best way to structure controllers for versioned endpoints is to use base controllers with shared authentication and error handling, extending them into versioned controllers like Api::V1 and Api::V2 to ensure predictable behavior across API versions.

Does URL path versioning work better than Accept header negotiation for Rails APIs?▼

URL path versioning isolates changes visibly in namespaces like /api/v2, whereas Accept header-based negotiation offers flexible client versioning without changing the URL path. Both strategies prevent breaking changes but suit different client integration needs.

How do I test backward compatibility across multiple API versions?▼

You test backward compatibility across multiple API versions by implementing automated request specs that validate endpoint behavior. This enforces structured test coverage to ensure predictable responses and error handling across all active API versions.

Can I maintain shared authentication when implementing versioned API controllers?▼

Yes, you can maintain shared authentication when implementing versioned API controllers by placing the authentication logic in a base controller. Versioned controllers then inherit this shared behavior to ensure consistent access control across versions.

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