A Guide to API Integration, Documentation, and Gateway Management

How to create an API?

Due complexity and efforts are required to build an API that other developers will want to work with and trust.

These are the five steps required for high-quality API design:

1. Plan the API  

API specifications, like OpenAPI, provide the blueprint for your API design. It is better to think about different use cases in advance and ensure the API adheres to current API development standards.  

2. Build the API

API designers prototype APIs using boilerplate code. Once the prototype is tested, developers can customize it to internal specifications.  

3. Test the API   

API testing is the same as software testing and must be done to prevent bugs and defects. API testing tools can be used to strength test the API against cyber attacks.  

4. Document the API   

While APIs are self-explanatory, API documentation acts as a guide to improve usability. Well-documented APIs that offer a range of functions and use cases tend to be more popular in a service-oriented architecture.

5. Market the API  

Just as Amazon is an online marketplace for retail, API marketplaces exist for developers to buy and sell other APIs. Listing your API can allow you to monetize it.  

What is API testing?

API testing strategies are similar to other software testing methodologies. The main focus is on validating server responses. API testing includes:

· Making multiple requests to API endpoints for performance testing.

· Writing unit tests for checking business logic and functional correctness.

· Security testing by simulating system attacks.  

How to write API documentation?

Writing comprehensive API documentation is part of the API management process. API documentation can be auto-generated using tools or written manually. Some best practices include:

· Writing explanations in simple, easy-to-read English.

· Documents generated by tools can become wordy and require editing.

· Using code samples to explain functionality.

· Maintaining the documentation so it is accurate and up-to-date.

· Aiming the writing style at beginners

· Covering all the problems the API can solve for the users.

How to use an API?

The steps to implement a new API include:

· Obtaining an API key. This is done by creating a verified account with the API provider.

· Set up an HTTP API client. This tool allows you to structure API requests easily using the API keys received.

· If you don’t have an API client, you can try to structure the request yourself in your browser by referring to the API documentation.

· Once you are comfortable with the new API syntax, you can start using it in your code.

Where can I find new APIs?

New web APIs can be found on API marketplaces and API directories. API marketplaces are open platforms where anyone can list an API for sale. API directories are controlled repositories regulated by the directory owner. Expert API designers may assess and test a new API before adding it to their directory.    

Some popular API websites include:  

· Rapid API – The largest global API market with over 10,000 public APIs and 1 million active developers on site. RapidAPI allows users to test APIs directly on the platform before committing to purchase.

· Public APIs – The platform groups remote APIs into 40 niche categories, making it easier to browse and find the right one to meet your needs.

· APIForThat and APIList – Both these websites have lists of 500+ web APIs, along with in-depth information on how to use them.

What is an API gateway?

An API Gateway is an API management tool for enterprise clients that use a broad range of back-end services. API gateways typically handle common tasks like user authentication, statistics, and rate management that are applicable across all API calls.

Amazon API Gateway is a fully managed service that makes it easy for developers to create, publish, maintain, monitor, and secure APIs at any scale. It handles all the tasks involved in accepting and processing thousands of concurrent API calls, including traffic management, CORS support, authorization, and access control, throttling, monitoring, and API version management

Imagine a scenario where repetitive tasks need to be executed on a database repeatedly. Without the appropriate tools, this can quickly become a time-consuming and error-prone event. This is where stored procedures in SQL come into play, serving as invaluable assets in streamlining database operations.