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Published Nov 7, 2019

Episode 387: Abhinav Asthana on Designing and Testing APIs

Discover the art of designing and testing APIs with Postman CEO Abhinav Asthana as he delves into crafting minimal, user-centric APIs, synchronizing documentation with code, and navigating the nuances of GraphQL, REST, and JSON technologies.
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  • API Types

    In the realm of API design, the choice between GraphQL and REST is pivotal. explains that GraphQL models applications as a graph of nodes, allowing for efficient querying and manipulation with single API calls. In contrast, REST focuses on querying and modifying resources, often requiring multiple calls for complex operations 1. GRPC, another API type, is typically used for internal components of public APIs, offering real-time updates and performance benefits 2. notes, "GraphQL has support for real-time updates and you can also look at using another technology called websockets for that."

    GraphQL has support for real-time updates and you can also look at using another technology called websockets for that.

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    These distinctions highlight the importance of selecting the right API type based on application needs.

       

    Public APIs

    Public APIs serve as crucial platforms for integrating applications and exposing data. emphasizes that developers often import functionalities from third-party providers, such as payment processing or user authentication, into their applications 3. This trend has led companies to offer public APIs to extend their services to other developers. adds that APIs connect software pieces over networks, facilitating communication between applications 4.

    APIs bring different pieces of software together and they can be used in a lot of different ways, going all the way from building a simple web application all the way to public APIs.

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    The decision to create a public API often hinges on the potential to integrate and enhance application capabilities.

       

    JSON Standard

    JSON has become the standard data interchange format for APIs, favored for its simplicity and compatibility. points out that JSON is widely supported across browsers and mobile frameworks, making it an ideal choice for public APIs 5. He explains that HTTP allows for raw JSON data to be sent and received, fitting neatly into the HTTP packet structure.

    In the context of public APIs, JSON is pretty much the standard and the default.

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    This widespread adoption of JSON simplifies the development process, enabling seamless data exchange between diverse systems.

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