How do I understand API comlexity as non-tech product manager?

Understanding the complexity of an API is crucial for effective management, especially for non-technical stakeholders. Here’s a detailed breakdown of factors that contribute to API complexity

Vocabulary to Understand API Jargon

- Endpoint: A specific URL where an API can access the resources it needs to work.

- Request: A call made by a client to an API to perform a specific action.

- Response: The data returned by the API after a request is made.

- REST (Representational State Transfer): An architectural style for designing networked applications.

- JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): A lightweight data interchange format used by APIs.

- Latency: The time taken for a request to go from the client to the server and back.

- Rate Limiting: A method to control the number of requests a client can make to an API in a given time period.

- Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user or system.

- Authorization: The process of determining what an authenticated user is allowed to do.

- Webhook: A way for an app to provide other applications with real-time information.

1. Multiple Endpoints

- Definition: An endpoint is a specific URL where the API interacts with the client.

- Complexity Factors:

- Number of Endpoints: More endpoints increase the complexity as each needs to be managed, documented, and maintained.

- Consistency: Ensuring uniform naming conventions and structures across endpoints.

- Versioning: Handling different versions of endpoints for backward compatibility.

2. Data Transformation

- Definition: The process of converting data from one format or structure to another.

- Complexity Factors:

- Format Conversion: Converting between formats like XML, JSON, and CSV.

- Schema Changes: Adapting to different data models and structures required by various systems.

- Validation: Ensuring data integrity and correctness during transformation.

3. Authentication and Authorization

- Definition: Mechanisms to verify user identity and determine access levels.

- Complexity Factors:

- Authentication Methods: Implementing various methods like API keys, OAuth, JWT (JSON Web Tokens), etc.

- Authorization Levels: Defining and managing user roles and permissions.

- Security Standards: Adhering to industry standards and practices to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Rate Limiting

- Definition: Controlling the number of API requests a client can make within a given time period.

- Complexity Factors:

- Policy Definition: Setting appropriate limits to balance performance and user needs.

- Monitoring and Enforcement: Tracking usage and enforcing limits without degrading performance.

- Handling Violations: Implementing strategies to manage exceeded limits gracefully.

5. Error Handling

- Definition: Mechanisms to manage and respond to errors that occur during API interaction.

- Complexity Factors:

- Standardized Responses: Creating consistent and informative error messages.

- Error Logging: Implementing comprehensive logging for diagnostics.

- Recovery Strategies: Developing approaches to handle and recover from errors.

6. Performance Optimization

- Definition: Ensuring the API performs efficiently under various loads.

- Complexity Factors:

- Latency Reduction: Minimizing the time taken for requests and responses.

- Scalability: Ensuring the API can handle increased load without degradation.

- Caching: Implementing strategies to reduce redundant data fetching.

7. Versioning

- Definition: Managing different versions of the API to ensure backward compatibility.

- Complexity Factors:

- Version Management: Maintaining multiple versions and deprecating old ones.

- Migration Strategies: Helping clients transition smoothly between versions.

- Compatibility: Ensuring new versions do not break existing functionalities.

8. Dependency Management

- Definition: Coordinating and managing various dependencies that the API interacts with.

- Complexity Factors:

- Third-Party APIs: Handling dependencies on external services and APIs.

- Library Management: Keeping track of updates and changes in used libraries.

- Service Interdependencies: Managing dependencies between internal services.

9. Integration with Legacy Systems

- Definition: Bridging new APIs with older systems that may not support modern standards.

- Complexity Factors:

- Compatibility Issues: Ensuring new APIs work with old technologies.

- Data Mapping: Aligning new API data structures with legacy system requirements.

- Performance Bottlenecks: Addressing performance issues due to older infrastructure.

Vocabulary to Understand API Jargon

- Endpoint: A specific URL where an API can access the resources it needs to work.

- Request: A call made by a client to an API to perform a specific action.

- Response: The data returned by the API after a request is made.

- REST (Representational State Transfer): An architectural style for designing networked applications.

- JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): A lightweight data interchange format used by APIs.

- Latency: The time taken for a request to go from the client to the server and back.

- Rate Limiting: A method to control the number of requests a client can make to an API in a given time period.

- Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user or system.

- Authorization: The process of determining what an authenticated user is allowed to do.

- Webhook: A way for an app to provide other applications with real-time information.