API Versioning

Versioning your API is crucial for maintaining backwards compatibility while allowing for future improvements.

Common Versioning Strategies

1. URL Path Versioning Example: https://api.example.com/v1/resources

2. Query Parameter Versioning Example: https://api.example.com/resources?version=1

3. Custom Header Versioning Example: X-API-Version: 1

4. Accept Header Versioning Example: Accept: application/vnd.example.v1+json

Best Practices

1. Start with version 1 (v1)
2. Make breaking changes in new versions
3. Support multiple versions simultaneously
4. Deprecate old versions gradually
5. Communicate changes clearly in documentation

Choose a versioning strategy that best fits your API’s needs and your development workflow.