Application programming interfaces, or APIs, have been around for about two decades, but the so-called “API-first” approach has only taken off in the last few years. The growing popularity of this approach is not surprising when you consider that APIs are a great help in the entire programming process, as well as in keeping up with technological advances and the ever-increasing demands of consumers.
What does API-first approach mean?
Before we address the issue of API-first approach, it is important to touch on basic information about the API itself.
An API is a set of code that essentially acts as an intermediary between two applications or platforms. An API conveys instructions or requests and ensures their successful fulfillment. An API is often compared to a waiter in a restaurant, acting as an intermediary between the customer and the kitchen.
When developers adopt an API-first approach, they put the API at the forefront of their development process. In other words, they complete the API design first to ensure that any future communication between platforms will be easy from the start. Only then does work on the rest of the program follow.
This is where the API-first approach differs from the code-first approach, where the API is implemented at the very end. In this case, it is usually difficult to say in advance whether the API will function correctly and in accordance with the final product.
Massive shift towards API-first approach
Nowadays, we are constantly in contact with content on various devices and applications, and it is necessary to provide a seamless digital experience on all of them if you want to achieve the highest possible level of customer satisfaction.
It's worth noting that 9 out of 10 customers actually expect you to provide them with the same quality experience across all channels. As we know, consumer demands are constantly growing, so those companies that don't adapt now can easily fall behind.
An API-first approach allows you to do this customization, whether lithuania phone number data you're using a third-party interface or developing your own. This is because the API is responsible for ultimately delivering your app's content across different channels.
So it's only natural that this development strategy has become such a popular business move. Research shows that more than half of IT professionals say that an API-first approach ensures a better digital experience and allows more room for innovation.
Benefits of an API-first approach for your business
This strategy has several advantages, but in this blog we will highlight the three most important ones.
1. Accelerates the development process and delivery to market
An API-first approach can help your web development team in a number of ways. In fact, it can greatly simplify and speed up the development process, as was the case for 58% of businesses that switched to this strategy.
One reason for this is that you can develop and test your API at the same time, which saves your team time. Furthermore, APIs are modular and reusable, so developers only need to modify them when they want to or when absolutely necessary, which is very rare. In this way, an API-first approach reduces the cost of the development process.
Another advantage is that frontend and backend developers can work at the same time, independently of each other. Along with the previously mentioned time and money savings, the ability to work in parallel takes a huge burden off developers, meaning that an API-first approach provides them with an overall more positive programming experience.
Additionally, optimizing the development process means that the product will reach the market faster. Considering how fierce the competition is and how much the patience of consumers has waned, this is a huge advantage for any business.
2. The product is ready for the future
Because APIs are reusable and adaptable, the end product can be easily upgraded with new features, i.e., it does not need to be completely refactored. In other words, you have the ability to keep up with upcoming innovations and needs without compromising the functionality of the application in the slightest. This agility also reduces the risk of errors and failures in general.
Therefore, the API-first approach ensures consistency and flexibility, which is necessary for a quality and reliable product.