API Versioning
Effective API versioning is crucial for managing changes to your API without disrupting existing clients. MSDN's API employs a clear and consistent versioning strategy to ensure backward compatibility and facilitate smoother transitions.
Versioning Strategy
We use a URL-based versioning strategy. Each API request must include a version number that indicates the specific version of the API the client wishes to interact with.
URL Structure
The version number is embedded directly in the URL path. The standard format is:
/api/v{major}.{minor}/{resource}Where:
{major}: Represents major version changes (e.g., breaking changes). Incrementing this will likely require client updates.{minor}: Represents minor version changes (e.g., new features, backward-compatible additions).
Example
To access the users resource using API version 1.2, you would use the following URL:
https://api.msdn.example.com/v1.2/usersWhy Versioning Matters
- Backward Compatibility: Allows you to introduce new features or make changes without breaking existing applications that rely on older versions.
- Controlled Rollouts: Enables gradual migration of clients to newer API versions.
- Clear Communication: Provides a clear signal to developers about which version of the API they are interacting with.
Versioning Best Practices
Major vs. Minor Versions
- Major Version (e.g., v2.0): Use for changes that are not backward-compatible. This includes removing fields, changing data types, or altering endpoint behavior in a way that breaks existing integrations.
- Minor Version (e.g., v1.1): Use for backward-compatible changes. This includes adding new optional fields, adding new endpoints, or improving performance.
Deprecation Policy
We strive to provide ample notice before deprecating or removing older API versions. Deprecation announcements will be made through our developer portal and official communication channels. Typically, a deprecation period of at least 90 days will be provided for major version changes.
Future Versions
We are continuously evolving our API to provide more functionality and improve performance. Future versions will be released with clear release notes detailing the changes and their potential impact. Developers are encouraged to stay updated with the latest versions to benefit from new features and improvements.