API Design Principles for Global APIs

API Design Principles for Global APIs Global APIs reach users across many regions, languages, and networks. To deliver a reliable experience, design must reduce latency, respect data rules, and stay predictable even when regional conditions vary. Clear contracts are the foundation. Design the surface early, version carefully, and document error formats so clients can handle failures gracefully. Use stable paths, predictable status codes, and backward-compatible changes whenever possible. Make data locale aware. Represent times in UTC ISO 8601 and surface localized formats only when requested. Read Accept-Language and, if possible, return translated messages. Use currency codes (ISO 4217) and SI units to avoid confusion across regions. ...

September 22, 2025 · 2 min · 332 words

API Versioning and Backward Compatibility

API Versioning and Backward Compatibility Versioning helps teams evolve APIs without breaking clients. A thoughtful plan reduces outages, supports partners, and improves developer experience. The goal is to keep old clients working while new features arrive. Why versioning matters APIs change over time. Without versioning, even small edits can break code, cause hard-to-trace errors, and force urgent client updates. Versioning provides a predictable path for changes and clear expectations for users. ...

September 21, 2025 · 2 min · 344 words