auto-api-design

Standardize REST API design with response envelopes, status codes, and DTO separation.

6|Updated Mar 31, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Corvalis-LLC/Crow-Stack --skill auto-api-design
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: auto-api-design
Source: https://github.com/Corvalis-LLC/Crow-Stack/tree/main/skills/auto-api-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Corvalis-LLC/Crow-Stack --skill auto-api-design

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

API endpoints often return raw data or inconsistent error shapes, leaking internal models and lacking uniform structure, making clients brittle and integration costs high.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Consistent response envelopes for all endpoints, ensuring a uniform data and error shape.
  • Proper HTTP status codes usage beyond 200/500 to reflect outcome.
  • Cursor-based pagination by default to support scalable list endpoints.
  • DTO separation to prevent leaking internal models and to define external contracts.
  • Real-world use case: teams building public or internal REST APIs requiring strong client contracts and safer evolution.

Quick Start

Define a consistent API envelope, adopt keyset pagination, and validate inputs across endpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions about auto-api-design

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I standardize REST API responses to avoid leaking internal models?

You can prevent leaking internal models by enforcing strict DTO separation and consistent response envelopes. This creates uniform data and error shapes, protecting internal models and ensuring reliable client contracts.

What is the best way to handle REST API pagination for scalable list endpoints?

Cursor-based pagination is the recommended approach for scalable list endpoints. It enforces reliable data fetching by default, preventing performance degradation associated with large offset-based queries.

How do I structure REST API errors to prevent brittle clients?

To prevent brittle clients, structure REST API errors using a consistent response envelope. This defines a uniform error shape across all endpoints, lowering integration costs and making clients resilient to internal changes.

Why does my REST API return inconsistent data shapes across different endpoints?

REST APIs return inconsistent data shapes when lacking a uniform response envelope. Enforcing a standardized envelope across all endpoints ensures a consistent data and error structure, eliminating integration brittleness.

Do I need strict DTO separation when designing a public REST API?

Yes, strict DTO separation is necessary when designing public REST APIs. It prevents leaking internal models, establishes strong external client contracts, and allows internal data structures to evolve safely without breaking integrations.

When should I use proper HTTP status codes beyond 200 and 500 in a REST API?

You should use proper HTTP status codes beyond 200 and 500 in a REST API to accurately reflect outcomes. Correct status code usage enforces reliable client contracts and clarifies input validation or processing errors.