API design and management
As the core component of most business applications, API design and management has become more important as these applications meet new levels of operational complexity. Learn about the key practices associated with enterprise-grade API portfolios and integrations.
Top Stories
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Tip
28 Dec 2023
Don't neglect API functional testing
APIs are how applications connect to a database, partner servers and integrated applications. Testing their efficacy is an essential QA task for every software team. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2023
Idempotent HTTP methods and REST
The Hypertext Transport Protocol requires all HTTP verbs to identify as idempotent or not. But what is an idempotent method, and how does idempotence apply to RESTful API design? Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
declarative programming
Declarative programming is a method to abstract the control flow for logic required for software to perform an action. Instead, it involves stating what the task or desired outcome is. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Feb 2024
API gateway (application programming interface gateway)
An API gateway is a software pattern that sits in front of an application programming interface (API) or group of microservices to facilitate requests and delivery of data and services. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2024
state management
Application state management is the process of maintaining knowledge of an application's inputs across multiple related data flows that form a complete business transaction -- or a session -- to understand the condition of the app at any given moment. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2024
API management
API management is the process by which an organization creates, oversees and controls application programming interfaces (APIs) in a secure, scalable environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2024
API lifecycle management
API lifecycle management is a part of application programming interface management that supports the design, development and maintenance of APIs, including their transitioning from design and testing to a production environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2023
Don't neglect API functional testing
APIs are how applications connect to a database, partner servers and integrated applications. Testing their efficacy is an essential QA task for every software team. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2023
Prometheus
Prometheus is an open source monitoring and alerting toolkit for microservices and containers that provides flexible queries and real-time notifications. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2023
API economy
The API economy refers to the set of business models and practices designed around the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) in today's digital economy. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2023
Idempotent HTTP methods and REST
The Hypertext Transport Protocol requires all HTTP verbs to identify as idempotent or not. But what is an idempotent method, and how does idempotence apply to RESTful API design? Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2023
What to know about GraphQL vs. REST performance
Both GraphQL and REST aim to simplify API development, but they handle data differently. Carefully consider how those differences might affect performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2023
Critical API vulnerabilities every IT team should address
Their openness, flexibility and ease of use make APIs beneficial, if not essential, to modern IT. Those same features can make APIs vulnerable to attack. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2023
model-view-controller (MVC)
In programming, model-view-controller (MVC) is an architectural design pattern that organizes an application's logic into distinct layers, each of which carries out a specific set of tasks. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2023
The 5 essential HTTP methods in RESTful API development
Review these five common RESTful API HTTP methods that developers need to know. Use this guide to understand the differences and uses for each of the methods. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2023
Better API security needed as companies modernize apps
As developers build more complex applications, the widespread use of APIs is creating significant security challenges for organizations, according to a new survey from ESG. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2023
A quick breakdown of Postman vs. Insomnia
Does your organization need the fully loaded capabilities of Postman or the lightweight implementation style offered by Insomnia? Read this quick breakdown to get the picture. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Aug 2023
Techniques to gain control over unruly API sprawl
A lapse in proper control over large portfolios of internal and external APIs can result in problematic sprawl. Here's what software teams can do to prevent that from happening. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2023
algorithm
An algorithm is a procedure used for solving a problem or performing a computation. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jul 2023
Top developer relations trends for building stronger teams
Learn about enterprise trends for optimizing software engineering practices, including developer relations, API use, community building and incorporating security into development. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jul 2023
open system
In computing, an open system is a platform that can be modified and extended and has freely available documentation. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2023
business capability
A business capability is the ability of an organization to achieve a specific outcome or objective. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2023
How to interact with network APIs using cURL, Postman tools
Network engineers can use cURL and Postman tools to work with network APIs. Use cases include getting interface information and manipulating device configuration data. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2023
SOAP fault
A SOAP fault is an error in a Simple Object Access Protocol communication resulting from an incorrect message format, header-processing problems, incompatibility between applications or other issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2023
How to detect and control the spread of shadow APIs
Now that infiltration via APIs has become a favored method for hackers, IT teams need to take additional steps to safeguard those important interfaces. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
Google Duplex
Google Duplex is an artificial intelligence (AI) technology that mimics a human voice and makes phone calls on a person's behalf. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Mar 2023
computer numerical control (CNC)
Computer numerical control (CNC) is a manufacturing method that automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools through the use of preprogrammed computer software, which is embedded inside the tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
API testing
API testing is a type of software testing that analyzes an application program interface (API) to verify that it fulfills its expected functionality, security, performance and reliability. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Mar 2023
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a TCP/IP protocol used in sending and receiving email. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2023
MuleSoft
MuleSoft is a Salesforce company that provides numerous tools to build automations and integrations for various enterprise use cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2023
class library (in object-oriented programming)
In object-oriented programming, a class library is a collection of classes and other reusable software components, such as interfaces and value types. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2023
method (in object-oriented programming)
In object-oriented programming (OOP), a method is a programmed procedure that is defined as part of a class and is available to any object instantiated from that class. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Feb 2023
GraphQL
GraphQL is an open source query language that describes how a client should request information through an API. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2023
When REST API design goes from helpful to harmful
REST may be a somewhat non-negotiable standard in web API development, but has it fostered overreliance? Learn why other design styles could -- and should -- get an equal chance. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2023
4 critical API caching practices all developers should know
API caching can increase the performance and response time of an application, but only if it's done right. Learn about some of the caching tools and techniques worth implementing. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
componentization (component-based development)
Componentization is an approach to software development that involves breaking software down into identifiable and reusable pieces that application developers can independently build and deploy. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2023
What are the types of APIs and their differences?
Enterprises increasingly rely on APIs to interact with customers and partners. It all starts with knowing which type of API is right for your needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Dec 2022
application programming interface (API)
An application programming interface (API) is code that enables two software programs to communicate. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Nov 2022
feature flagging
Feature flagging is a simple programming design pattern that allows developers to turn application features on or off without having to redeploy or change code already in production. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2022
12 API security best practices to protect your business
As with any software development cycle, API security must be built in from the start. Follow these guidelines to design, deploy and protect your APIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2022
What DevOps teams need to know about API management
Managing today's sprawling API ecosystems is increasingly daunting for DevOps teams. Learn what to look for when choosing a tool to reduce the complexity of API management. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Sep 2022
synchronous/asynchronous API
Synchronous/asynchronous APIs are application programming interfaces that return data for requests either immediately or at a later time, respectively. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2022
attribute
In general, an attribute is a property, quality, or characteristic that something or someone has. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2022
Why API naming conventions matter, and how to master the art
Naming APIs can be a daunting process, since it requires a balance between simplicity and clarity. JJ Geewax, author of 'API Design Patterns,' has some advice for developers. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2022
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a message protocol that enables the distributed elements of an application to communicate. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2022
5 fundamental strategies for REST API authentication
There are various authentication methods for REST APIs, ranging from basic credentials and token encryption to complex, multilayered access control and permissions validation. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 May 2022
multiprogramming
Multiprogramming is a rudimentary form of parallel processing in which several programs run at the same time on a uniprocessor system. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2022
The deep-rooted relationship between REST and microservices
The REST paradigm can be a natural fit for microservices architectures, but it also presents potential challenges for development teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2022
The management approach for internal vs. external APIs
While internal and external APIs don't differ much mechanically, there are some important contrasts when it comes to certain API design and lifecycle management issues. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2022
cloud storage API
A cloud storage API is an application programming interface that connects a locally based application to a cloud-based storage system so that a user can send data to it and access and work with data stored in it. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2022
Open vs. closed APIs: 4 crucial factors you should examine
Open and closed APIs both have their respective upsides and downsides. To choose the right approach, developers must examine four critical technical and business-level factors. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2021
MuleSoft to add API management, governance tools
MuleSoft plans to release tools to catalog and manage APIs across multi-cloud environments to reduce redundancy, apply governance policies and build compliance. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Oct 2021
API endpoint
An API endpoint is a point at which an API -- the code that allows two software programs to communicate with each other -- connects with the software program. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Sep 2021
Should you adopt an API-first approach to development?
While the code-first approach certainly works, its appeal is fading as architectures become increasingly complex webs of software. Learn why the API-first approach is catching on. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2021
Real estate firm turns to AI vendor for API security
API security is under scrutiny as businesses digitally transform, and startup vendors are emerging with fresh approaches for secure cloud computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2021
The 6 non-negotiable REST architecture constraints
While REST-centric design isn't necessarily hard, there are some non-negotiable rules when it comes to resource provisioning. Here are six all architects should know. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 May 2021
webhook
A webhook is a software architecture approach that allows applications and services to submit a web-based notification to other applications whenever a specific event occurs. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Mar 2021
API proxy
An API proxy is a thin application program interface (API) server that exposes an interface for an existing service or services. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2021
An overview of headless architecture design
Decoupling the back-end components of an application is certainly valuable, but what about the front end? This is where headless architecture comes into play. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2021
16 REST API design best practices and guidelines
Common guidelines for API design lead to better functionality and flexibility. Follow these REST API design best practices to help you tend to your burgeoning API garden. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Feb 2021
Explore 6 popular API gateway tools and how to choose one
Plenty of vendors have jumped on the API gateway trend, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for you. We examine the key features of six popular gateway tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Feb 2021
Guide to building an enterprise API strategy
In today's digital world, businesses increasingly rely on APIs to deliver data and services. Follow this comprehensive guide to build a successful enterprise API strategy. Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2021
Google launches Apigee X API management tool
Google's new Apigee X API management system helps users develop and manage their API strategies and enjoy more security, performance, networking and app-dev capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2021
API testing checklist and best practices
Proper API testing isn't just determining if an endpoint is functional. Follow these steps to identify your organization's important APIs, which tests to run, and which tools to use. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2020
Two simple ways to create custom APIs in Azure
Learn how to create custom APIs in Azure through both Azure Portal and Visual Studio Code, and review some post-deployment best practices that add value and security to those APIs. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Oct 2020
Book details API design best practices
APIs are designed for people you've never met to solve problems you didn't know existed. With that in mind, how do you design and build them well? Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2020
REST API (RESTful API)
A RESTful API is an architectural style for an application program interface (API) that uses HTTP requests to GET, PUT, POST and DELETE data. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2020
Google Cloud's new app platform aims for no-code edge
Google Cloud brings low-code application development and API management to its new Business Application Platform, but robotic process automation isn't yet in the mix. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2020
TypeScript's co-creator speaks out on TypeScript 4.0
A co-creator of Microsoft's TypeScript programming language says TypeScript 4.0 improves developer productivity and moves toward first-class status in the JavaScript ecosystem. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2020
4 must-have API management components
APIs don't manage themselves. Get to know these key API management components to ensure your applications perform as intended. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2020
5 major reasons to adopt an API management platform
Why adopt an API management platform? Examine when it makes sense to adopt a platform, and five major ways they can actually assist your DevOps teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2020
Get started with API versioning and URIs
Applications change, and the APIs they depend on need to be updated and upgraded accordingly. Developers who know the value of versioning and the basics of numbering improve APIs. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2020
Explore API documentation basics and best practices
API documentation should be easy to understand -- but how do you accomplish this? Use this quick guide to learn key API documentation components, noteworthy tools and best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 May 2020
5 stages of an API lifecycle explained
APIs are not just a component you can set and forget. Developers need to plan, create, deploy and monitor APIs to keep them aligned with business needs, as well as know when it's time to retire them. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2020
Getting to know the API proxy
Explore the capabilities and practical uses for an API proxy, as well as examine the relationship between an API proxy and an API gateway. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2020
How to improve API documentation with Swagger and OpenAPI
Discover why developers should take advantage of Swagger tooling and the OpenAPI specification to streamline API design, documentation and management, especially for RESTful APIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2019
Apigee vs. Mulesoft: An API management platform face-off
Mulesoft and Apigee are two of the most widely used API management platforms around. This article places them side by side to compare their pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2019
API gateway comparison: Kong vs. Tyk
API gateways help organizations smooth out interactions among microservices. This side-by-side rundown of Kong vs. Tyk will help you choose which tool fits your business' needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2019
Use an API mapping tool to demystify complex API integrations
Whether a simple diagram or more complex model, an API mapping tool can bring order to loosely coupled application components, speed up debugging and simplify application updates. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2019
How do you choose between SDKs and APIs for enterprise apps?
Explore the pros and cons that differentiate SDKs and APIs from each other and come to understand what types of applications call for SDKs, APIs or both. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2019
These 6 microservices architecture design patterns solve problems
Navigate the benefits and drawbacks of standard architecture design patterns that aim to diminish microservices deployment and performance miseries. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Sep 2019
Can API mapping fix data integration problems?
The more distributed and complex a modern application is, the more likely an API mapping tool should join the developers' arsenal for efficient design and troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Aug 2019
Software reliability engineering practices for distributed apps
Learn how these four software reliability engineering concepts -- inventories, monitoring, observability and Pareto analysis -- can aid API management and application performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2019
Kong
Kong is an open source API gateway and platform that acts as middleware between compute clients and the API-centric applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2019
Apigee
Apigee, pronounced App-ih-gee, is an API gateway management tool offered by Google to exchange data across cloud services and applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2019
API-centric application
An API-centric application is a web service that is built using application programming interfaces (APIs) to exchange data with other applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2019
Apache OpenWhisk
Apache OpenWhisk is an open source and serverless cloud platform that performs functions in response to events. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2019
Think carefully about API language standards
API language standards were few and far between in the past, but now cloud has made API standardization more important than ever. Learn what you need to know about these standards. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Aug 2019
Swagger
Swagger is an open source set of rules, specifications and tools for developing and describing RESTful APIs. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Aug 2019
restricted API
A restricted API is an application program interface whose access, or use, is intentionally limited by web site developers for security purposes or business reasons. Continue Reading
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Quiz
24 Jul 2019
Quiz yourself on smart API gateway management
Did you know that API gateways are multipurpose? Compare your knowledge of API gateways and API management in this quiz. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Feb 2018
API deployments on serverless frameworks catching on
In a stealthy way, serverless APIs have moved out of the “shiny new thing” phase to being enterprise software developers’ favorite way to bypass development overhead when delivering applications, ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Feb 2018
When data APIs go neglected, business intelligence suffers
Many businesses have mature API management practices in place for integration via REST APIs and application APIs. Unfortunately, those API strategies can create data silos for most business ... Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2017
Troubleshooting microservices performance problems
Get a better understanding of troubleshooting tools and techniques for managing microservices performance issues. Continue Reading
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Quiz
11 Jul 2016
Can you answer these questions about RESTful design?
As RESTful design becomes synonymous with API creation, it may be helpful to spruce up some knowledge on it. This quick quiz reviews some of the key aspects of working with REST. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2016
Creating successful RESTful API design
Successful API design requires lots of attention to detail. Take these three steps for creating RESTful API design. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2016
Taking a new look at security in RESTful API design
REST appears to be sure-handedly winning the API war with SOAP, so it's time to start learning about REST security. We explore this protocol's latest security developments. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 May 2016
How do I connect to JSON APIs in an Android project?
In this article, mobile expert Matthew David walks developers through some of the most effective ways to connect to JSON APIs in an Android-based project. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Apr 2016
Connecting APIs: How to integrate a JSON framework with iOS
Apple now supports two developmental languages. This means integrating JSON with iOS isn't as difficult as it might seem. Expert Matthew David explains further. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2016
Six aspects of API creation that greatly impact production
When it comes to API creation, simplicity is critical. Vivek Gupta of AnyPresence discussed the six aspects of API creation developers can address to accelerate API production. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2016
Developers: Eat your own dog food when you build an API
It's not enough to simply build an API. If you don't "eat your own dog food" before distributing your API, you are setting yourself up for failure. Zachary Flower explains why. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2016
Five tips for better API versioning and migration
Business needs change, and that often means APIs must change along with them. Here we examine five key strategies for avoiding disaster when API changes must occur. Continue Reading