Irresistible APIs

Irresistible APIs provides step-by-step guidance for designing APIs that reflect an application's core business value, delight the developers who use them, and will stand the test of time. In it, business product managers and developers learn how to treat an API as a first-class product.

It takes a village to deliver an irresistible web API. Business stakeholders look for an API that works side-by-side with the main product to enhance the experience for customers. Project managers require easy integration with other products or ways for customers to interact with your system. And, developers need APIs to consistently interoperate with external systems. The trick is getting the whole village together. This book shows you how.

Irresistible APIs presents a process to create APIs that succeed for all members of the team. In it, you'll learn how to capture an application's core business value and extend it with an API that will delight the developers who use it. Thinking about APIs from the business point of view, while also considering the end-user experience, encourages you to explore both sides of the design process and learn some successful biz-to-dev communication patterns. Along the way, you'll start to view your APIs as part of your product's core value instead of just an add-on.

• Design-driven development
• Developing meaningful use cases
• API guiding principles
• How to recognize successful APIs

Written for all members of an API design team, regardless of technical level.

Kirsten Hunter is an API evangelist who helps developers and business stakeholders understand, design, and deliver amazing APIs.