There are different kinds of specifications available that you can use while building an API.
In this thread, we will talk about the OpenAPI spec.
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In simple terms, OpenAPI spec is a format to define structure and syntax for REST APIs.
OpenAPI spec provides a standard that allows both humans and computers to discover and understand the service's capabilities without access to source code, documentation, or traffic inspection
If the specifications are properly defined, a user can understand and communicate with the remote service with a minimal amount of implementation logic.
π OpenAPI Document
It is a self-contained resource that defines an API or elements of an API. The OpenAPI specification document can use either JSON or YAML for describing the APIβs capabilities.
All the field names in the specification are case-sensitive, and this consists of all fields that are used as keys in a map, except where explicitly noted that keys are case-insensitive.
The schema exposes two types of fields:
- Fixed fields
- Patterned fields
Fixed fields have declared names, whereas Patterned fields are the ones that declare the regex patterns for the field name.
There are several benefits of OpenAPI Document. ππ»
Working with the API becomes streamlined and simpler once you have a complete description of how the REST API works.
The OpenAPI specifications document helps you to achieve this.
OpenAPI Document enables you to curate accurate documentation and helps you with the stub code during API development.
The OpenAPI specification document also contributes toward better collaboration across teams.
For instance, the frontend team does not have to wait for the backend to be completed, and they can use the specification to start developing the frontend.
With that said, this is the end of this thread.
Visit RapidAPI Guides and read more quality content related to APIs.
- Public API
- Private API
- Partner API
- Composite API
Let's discuss them in detail π§΅ππ»
1οΈβ£ Public API
Public APIs are accessible to all developers with a low or moderate level of authentication and authorization.
For example, the Windows API of Microsoft is a public API.
Stability is an essential factor of any public API. Any changes in the public API, let's say adding a new parameter, might break the applications that depend on that API.
A quick introduction to smart contracts and decentralized API ποΈ
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Before diving into Decentralized API or dAPI, we need to understand Smart Contracts. ππ»
Consider Smart contracts like typical contracts but they are programmatically generated and completely digital. Smart contracts are stored on a blockchain (a system of recording information in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to change, hack, or cheat the system).