The basic mechanics, or shall we say the “APIanics,” of API implementation consists of three main parts:
Developing
First, the process of API implementation consists of developing a REST API which effectively marshals internal data as well as inputs from other systems in order to process requests. The REST API must be developed with an authentication method which generates a security token and authorizes access to a particular method or operation.
Publishing
Once the API is defined, it can then be published via a Proxy server or API Gateway which customers can discover. The proxy generates public facing API endpoints that clients are able to call, and these requests are relayed via Proxy to local or internal APIs hosted behind the firewall.
Sharing
The last step of the API implementation process is sharing APIs with a network of partners and clients. This requires a portal or a public-facing front-end that allows customers to register, explore and set up connections through a self-service wizard. Customers can request a security token, look at the API documentation and try-out their test runs in a sandbox before hitting the APIs in production.
Simple, right? You might think so, but there are actually some fundamental aspects of API mechanics that need be taken into account in order to ensure long-term efficiency and success.
Some of the most important questions during the API integration process revolve around who has access to the API in terms of security, how many times an API can be called per client, whether to allow throttling for higher-valued customers wanting greater access, what restrictions should be set on the size of the payloads (rate limits), and how to monetize the API service. Along with these questions, it is crucial to understand that the REST API needs to be incredibly efficient and reliable for customers to consume and, most importantly, scalable for additional customers in a long-term sustainable way.
At Adeptia, we take all of this into account. For more detailed information, refer to our API Deployment Architecture.