designing-apis

Guide API design across RESTful, GraphQL, and event-driven patterns.

503|73|Updated Nov 13, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ancoleman/ai-design-components --skill designing-apis-ancoleman
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
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Skill: designing-apis
Source: https://github.com/ancoleman/ai-design-components/tree/main/skills/designing-apis
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ancoleman/ai-design-components --skill designing-apis-ancoleman

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides comprehensive guidance and patterns for designing robust APIs, ensuring they are secure, scalable, and maintainable across various architectural styles like REST, GraphQL, and event-driven systems.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • API Style Selection: Helps choose between REST, GraphQL, WebSockets, and message queues based on project needs.
  • Design Standards: Defines principles for resource-oriented design, HTTP method semantics, and status code usage.
  • Versioning & Error Handling: Outlines strategies for API versioning and standardized error responses (RFC 7807).
  • Security & Governance: Covers API security patterns (OAuth2, API keys) and OpenAPI/AsyncAPI specifications.
  • Use Case: When starting a new backend project, use this Skill to define the API's structure, choose the right protocol, establish versioning, and set up error handling before writing any code.

Quick Start

Use the designing-apis skill to generate an OpenAPI 3.1 specification for a new REST API.

Frequently Asked Questions about designing-apis

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I choose between REST, GraphQL, and event-driven patterns for API design?

Choosing an API design pattern depends on your project needs: RESTful APIs suit resource-oriented operations, GraphQL handles flexible data fetching, and event-driven systems using message queues enable asynchronous workflows. Evaluate client requirements and data complexity to select the right protocol.

What is the best way to handle API versioning and error handling in OpenAPI?

The best way to handle API versioning and error handling is to establish clear versioning strategies and standardized error responses using RFC 7807. Defining these standards within your OpenAPI 3.1 specification ensures maintainable and predictable API interactions.

How do I generate an OpenAPI 3.1 specification for a new REST API?

To generate an OpenAPI 3.1 specification for a new REST API, define your resource-oriented design, HTTP method semantics, and status codes. Use API design guidance to establish the structure and security patterns before writing code.

What security patterns should I use for designing scalable APIs?

When designing scalable APIs, implement security patterns like OAuth2 and API keys. Integrating these authentication methods into your OpenAPI or AsyncAPI specifications protects endpoints and governs access.

When do I need AsyncAPI specifications for event-driven architectures?

You need AsyncAPI specifications when designing event-driven architectures that rely on message queues or WebSockets. AsyncAPI defines the structure of asynchronous messages, ensuring consistent communication across decoupled services.

Can I use this API design guidance for both REST and GraphQL protocols?

Yes, you can use this API design guidance for both REST and GraphQL protocols. It provides comprehensive patterns for resource design, HTTP method semantics, and security, ensuring secure, scalable, and maintainable APIs across various architectural styles.