Versioning best practices in Rest API - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is API versioning?

API versioning is the practice of managing changes in an API by assigning version numbers. It helps clients know which version they are using and ensures backward compatibility.

beginner

Name two common ways to include version information in a REST API.

1. In the URL path (e.g., /v1/users)<br>2. In the HTTP header (e.g., Accept: application/vnd.example.v1+json)

intermediate

Why is semantic versioning important in API versioning?

Semantic versioning uses a format like MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH to communicate the type of changes: major for breaking changes, minor for new features without breaking, and patch for fixes. This helps clients understand impact before upgrading.

intermediate

What is a backward-compatible change in API versioning?

A backward-compatible change means the new API version does not break existing clients. Examples include adding new optional fields or endpoints without removing or changing existing ones.

beginner

Why should you avoid breaking changes in minor or patch versions?

Breaking changes can cause existing clients to fail. Minor and patch versions should only add features or fix bugs without breaking compatibility to keep clients working smoothly.

Which of the following is a common way to specify API version?

A In the URL path like /v1/resource

B In the database schema

C In the client’s local storage

D In the server’s file system

API versions are often included in the URL path to clearly indicate which version the client is using.

What does a major version change usually indicate?

A No changes at all

B New features without breaking changes

C Bug fixes only

D Breaking changes that may require client updates

Major version changes signal breaking changes that might require clients to update their code.

Which header is commonly used to specify API version?

A Content-Type

B User-Agent

C Accept

D Authorization

The Accept header can specify the desired API version using media type versioning.

What should you do if you want to add a new optional field to an API response?

A Increase the major version

B Increase the minor version

C Remove an existing field

D Do not change the version

Adding new optional fields is a backward-compatible feature and fits a minor version increase.

Why is it important to keep old API versions available for some time?

A To allow clients to upgrade at their own pace

B To confuse clients

C To increase server load

D To avoid writing documentation

Maintaining old versions lets clients upgrade when ready, avoiding sudden breaks.

Explain the main strategies for versioning a REST API and when to use each.

Think about how clients specify which API version they want.

Describe semantic versioning and why it matters for API versioning.

Consider how version numbers communicate change types.