Introduction
Businesses of all sizes are starting to realize the value of exposing their data and services through APIs. By making themselves available as a resource to developers, companies can open up new opportunities for growth and revenue. But becoming an API-first business requires planning — it requires a shift in thinking and a dedication to openness and collaboration.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of being an API-first business, and we’ll discuss some of the challenges you’ll need to overcome if you want to make the switch. If you’re on the fence about becoming an API-first business, read on to know if it’s the right move for your company!
What is an API-First Business?
API-first businesses prioritize creating and maintaining APIs backed by strong documentation that all stakeholders can use.
An API-first approach dictates that programmers precisely determine how the APIs will behave and address specific business requirements before any coding starts. That means developers will start coding new features only after the API design is finalized. Then, every new feature will act as an independent service that APIs can access.
This approach encourages developers (in this case, software engineers or web developers who work on the project respectively) to embrace a controlled fail-fast methodology for updates, change requests, and feature additions. Developers will also find it easier to build small self-contained units or microservices that can be easily maintained later.
To start with an API-first approach, the development team must first document the specific functions and data needed to achieve a business task, solve an issue, or add new functionality. These functions and data will then become an output of the API endpoints. That means the developers will know pre-hand the data and functions required to be accessed by the APIs once they have completed the development of a feature.
Pros of Being an API-First Company
An API-first approach to development ensures that APIs are given the attention they deserve from the beginning of a project. Unlike the code-first approach, where products and applications are built first and then connected via an API, the API-first approach designs API endpoints first. It then builds the products and applications so that they can serve the planned API endpoints.
Some of the standard benefits of the API-first approach are listed below.
1. Improved Developer Experience
Developers are the primary consumer of the APIs and the key to the success of any APIs. If an API has a positive developer experience, the APIs chances of becoming a success is higher.
By implementing the API-first approach, a company essentially ensures the APIs are well designed and documented, which are the main metrics behind an excellent developer experience.
The API-first approach confirms that APIs are functional and easily usable from day one, and sustainable in the long run. Moreover, it also supports designing strategies for structured IT systems, which speeds up application creation even further.
2. Speedy Development Process
Designing APIs at the latter stage of development has many bottlenecks. It is one of the main reasons behind the delay in the market releases. Let’s take an example to understand how.
Say a company with 4 teams working on 4 different modules of an application has decided to release its modules near the delivery time. However, it needs the APIs for the modules to communicate with each other. If each team didn’t know beforehand the functions and data they need to serve the other modules, they would need additional time to tweak their modules such that the business requirements are met.
However, if they had opted for an API-first approach, each module would have designed contracts of the functions and data they needed initially. The development teams would then have a clear view of the final output, speeding up the development time.
By focusing first on APIs, developers can create quicker initial implementations of their applications with less complexity than they would need if trying to develop the application first.
3. Simultaneous Software Development
These days, everyone is on a mission to be first in line for every new technology. APIs have been no exception, and as such, we’ve seen an increase of competitors vying with one another so that they can take advantage when it becomes available later down the road. Thanks to the API-first approach, all system designs are already laid out, and you don’t have to wait for a team to finish up a feature before starting to work on another feature.
For example, the front-end team could develop standard functionality for different devices (e.g., cell phones/tablets) while another team continues setting up the backend, serving the platform goal simultaneously.
4. Fewer Chances of Failure
APIs offer a sustainable system that can provide a consistent customer experience because they’re flexible and easy to use. A sustainable system is an essential advantage for businesses that need quick changes to meet user needs, as well as those looking at how best to include their end users during the development process, so everyone benefits from what’s being built together.
By focusing on an API-first approach, teams can build products that can evolve in the future. They know their users will have a different set of use cases for each release, and they’re prepared enough so as not to leave themselves vulnerable by creating inconsistent or unhelpful APIs — developers won’t be left wondering what’s expected from them when working with your application!
5. Reduced Development Costs
Building an application is not cheap. Various surveys have found that the average cost to develop and deploy a mobile app ranges in price from $270k-$350k! With an API-first approach, this cost can be significantly reduced.
APIs allow developers to reuse and repurpose code, cutting down development time. This means that companies can focus more of their precious resources on making new features for an app instead — which will ultimately save you money.
6. Enhanced Customer Experience
APIs allow enterprises to create new and effective ways of interacting with customers, especially in this digital age when consumers demand top-notch customer experiences.
By following the API-first approach, companies allow enhanced experience to their customers by customers to take control of their journey. The API-first approach enables people who use the API-driven services or products, such as developers, to design their expectations.
Some Considerations While Going API-First
The idea of API-first development is intriguing, but it requires considerable planning and effort to implement. For this transition in your company’s technology stack to work effectively, you’ll need C-suite buy-in from business leaders and support from IT teams that have learned new skill sets regarding APIs — ensuring these changes don’t hinder any existing processes.
The API-first approach to development is a serious undertaking. The lack of integration testing can lead programmable logic to failure. If programmers fail, systems will be plagued by seriously mismatched code or mock servers that don’t match what’s implemented in production environments.
Even with test automation processes running extensively, there still might remain missing information about how these components should interact under certain circumstances, which must then be deduced through trial and error.
Furthermore, APIs are also prone to security issues, ranging from scripting injections to broken authentications to denial-of-service attacks. Companies that advocate for and adopt an API-first approach must secure their APIs against all the potential risks by implementing robust security mechanisms.
Alternatives to API-First Approach
The API-first approach is still relevant and thriving today, but when companies tie this approach together with the data-first approach, they can create a highly flexible and secure system.
The data-first approach is an innovative way to think about how you manage and adopt new technologies. With this strategy, organizations can ensure that their most valuable assets — the information stored on their servers — stay protected and that it never leaves their locked borders without permission first.
Data is another currency of business. The key to success isn’t just having access and knowledge but also using it to benefit you. Taking a data-first approach in combination with APIs, your company will be well on its way towards building strategies around this technology wealth while always staying ahead.
Final Words
API-first companies understand that APIs are a crucial part of their digital transformation strategy and, as such, invest heavily in API management solutions and API lifecycle management. They know that APIs allow them to connect internal, partner, and public services easily.
If you’re looking to adopt an API-first approach to development, you should keep a few things in mind. Without a robust API management solution in place, connecting all of your APIs and keeping track of their life cycles will be challenging. So, having a clear view of how your APIs will be used before you start development is crucial. Finally, good documentation is essential for helping the primary consumers of your system to understand and use your APIs.
Adopting an API-first approach to development can help set your company up for success in the digital age. By investing in API management solutions and taking the time to define a clear API strategy, you can ensure that your APIs are a crucial part of your digital transformation. If you need help to make the leap towards an API-first approach, reach out to ThatAPICompany for a consultation.
