Constructing an API Design Domain Model

Designing an effective REST API begins with a well-thought-out API design domain model. This chapter explores how to approach API modeling strategically, emphasizing its role as a foundational step in crafting APIs that align with business goals and deliver meaningful value to consumers. Instead of treating API modeling as a mere technical exercise, this chapter highlights the importance of understanding your business domain, identifying key entities, and defining their relationships to create APIs that go beyond basic Create, Read, Update, Delete (CRUD) operations.

We’ll distinguish API modeling from database modeling, addressing common pitfalls such as over-reliance on database-first design, which often results in APIs that are disconnected from real business needs. Additionally, the chapter introduces principles such as the minimal API surface principle, demonstrating how these approaches lead to APIs that are more secure, maintainable...