API Design Best Practices for Modern Web Apps

REST API Design Best Practices

Well-designed APIs are intuitive, consistent, and easy to use.

URL Structure

GET    /api/users          # List users
GET    /api/users/123       # Get user 123
POST   /api/users           # Create user
PUT    /api/users/123       # Update user 123
DELETE /api/users/123       # Delete user 123

Naming Conventions

• Use nouns, not verbs: /users not /getUsers
• Use plural names: /users not /user
• Use kebab-case: /user-profiles
• Nest related resources: /users/123/orders

Response Format

{
  "success": true,
  "data": { ... },
  "meta": {
    "page": 1,
    "total": 100
  }
}

Error Handling

{
  "success": false,
  "error": {
    "code": "VALIDATION_ERROR",
    "message": "Email is required",
    "field": "email"
  }
}

HTTP Status Codes

• 200: Success
• 201: Created
• 400: Bad request
• 401: Unauthorized
• 404: Not found
• 500: Server error

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