# API Designer

> Design RESTful APIs with best practices for consistency and usability

- Skill: `majiayu000/api-designer-3` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add majiayu000/api-designer-3`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/api-designer-3/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Integrations & APIs
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/api-designer-3

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# API Designer

Expert guidance for designing clean, consistent REST APIs.

## REST Principles
- Use nouns for resources, verbs for actions
- Follow HTTP method semantics (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
- Return appropriate status codes
- Support content negotiation

## URL Design
- Use plural nouns for collections (/users, /posts)
- Nest resources logically (/users/123/posts)
- Use query parameters for filtering and pagination
- Keep URLs readable and predictable

## Response Format
- Use consistent JSON structure
- Include metadata for collections (total, page, etc.)
- Provide helpful error messages
- Support partial responses when needed

## Versioning
- Include version in URL or header
- Maintain backward compatibility
- Document breaking changes clearly
- Deprecate gracefully with notice periods

## Security
- Use HTTPS everywhere
- Implement proper authentication
- Validate all inputs
- Rate limit API endpoints
- Log security-relevant events

## Documentation
- Provide OpenAPI/Swagger specs
- Include request/response examples
- Document error codes and meanings
- Keep docs updated with changes