api-design-principles

1# API Design Principles
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3Master REST and GraphQL API design principles to build intuitive, scalable, and maintainable APIs that delight developers and stand the test of time.
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5## Use this skill when
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7- Designing new REST or GraphQL APIs
8- Refactoring existing APIs for better usability
9- Establishing API design standards for your team
10- Reviewing API specifications before implementation
11- Migrating between API paradigms (REST to GraphQL, etc.)
12- Creating developer-friendly API documentation
13- Optimizing APIs for specific use cases (mobile, third-party integrations)
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15## Do not use this skill when
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17- You only need implementation guidance for a specific framework
18- You are doing infrastructure-only work without API contracts
19- You cannot change or version public interfaces
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21## Instructions
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231. Define consumers, use cases, and constraints.
242. Choose API style and model resources or types.
253. Specify errors, versioning, pagination, and auth strategy.
264. Validate with examples and review for consistency.
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28Refer to `resources/implementation-playbook.md` for detailed patterns, checklists, and templates.
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30## Resources
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32- `resources/implementation-playbook.md` for detailed patterns, checklists, and templates.