rest-api-guidelines

Guides teams in designing consistent REST APIs with standardized URLs, HTTP methods, status codes, pagination and versioning.

4|Updated Dec 10, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tommymorgan/claude-plugins --skill rest-api-guidelines
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: rest-api-guidelines
Source: https://github.com/tommymorgan/claude-plugins/tree/main/tommymorgan/planning/skills/rest-api-guidelines
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tommymorgan/claude-plugins --skill rest-api-guidelines

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Opinionated REST API design guidance to reduce inconsistency and miscommunication when building, reviewing, and evolving web APIs across teams and services.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • URL Structure: promotes stable, readable, and versioned resource paths.
  • HTTP Methods & Semantics: enforces safe and idempotent operations and proper status handling.
  • Error Formats & Status Codes: standardizes error payloads and codes for predictable client behavior.
  • Pagination, Filtering, Sorting: specifies consistent paging and query semantics.
  • Versioning & Naming Conventions: provides clear version strategies and property naming rules.
  • Cross-Origin & Security Considerations: outlines CORS and auth guidance to secure APIs.
  • Real-world Scenarios: guides API planning, reviews, and design reviews during development cycles.

Quick Start

Consult these guidelines at the start of a new API project to align on REST conventions.

Frequently Asked Questions about rest-api-guidelines

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

FAQPage Schema
What are the best practices for REST API URL structure and versioning?

REST API design guidelines promote stable, readable, and versioned resource paths to reduce inconsistency. They enforce clear version strategies and naming rules for properties, ensuring predictable client behavior and long-term API maintainability across web services.

How do I standardize error formats and HTTP status codes for a REST API?

Standardizing REST API error formats and status codes involves enforcing safe, idempotent HTTP methods and proper status handling. Guidelines specify standardized error payloads and codes to ensure predictable client behavior and consistent developer experiences.

What is the recommended approach for pagination, filtering, and sorting in REST APIs?

Consistent pagination, filtering, and sorting in REST APIs require specified query semantics and paging structures. Design guidelines enforce consistent paging parameters and query conventions so clients can retrieve and manage large datasets predictably.

Does this REST API design guidance cover CORS and authentication security considerations?

Yes, REST API design guidance outlines cross-origin and security considerations to secure APIs. It provides CORS and authentication guidance to ensure web services remain protected while maintaining consistent resource access and standardized operations.

When should I consult REST API design guidelines during the development lifecycle?

Consult REST API design guidelines at the start of a new API project to align on conventions. They are applicable during API planning, brainstorm sessions, architecture reviews, and plan creation to enforce structure for URLs, methods, and error handling.

Why do I need opinionated REST API design guidelines for my web services?

Opinionated REST API design guidelines reduce inconsistency and miscommunication when building, reviewing, and evolving web APIs. They enforce structured decisions for HTTP methods, versioning, and error formatting, aligning teams on RESTful best practices.