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Core capability

API Development

RESTful or GraphQL APIs for mobile apps, third-party integrations, and frontend-backend communication.

5-14 daysTypical timeline
$2,000 - $5,000Typical range
4Approaches compared

SCOPE DECISION

Does this belong
in the first release?

A capability is only essential when the product promise depends on it. Use these signals to keep the decision tied to user value.

INCLUDE WHEN

The product needs it now

  • 01
    Mobile apps need a backend
  • 02
    Third-party integrations required
  • 03
    Multiple frontend clients
  • 04
    Public API is part of the product
LEAVE OUT WHEN

The release works without it

  • 01
    Simple static websites
  • 02
    Server-rendered only applications

IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS

Choose the approach
that fits the product.

The right technology depends on ownership, scale, integration depth, and how much operational responsibility the team wants to carry.

REST APIResource-based API architecture

Strengths
  • Simple and well-understood
  • Great caching
  • HTTP standard
  • Wide tooling
Tradeoffs
  • Over-fetching/under-fetching
  • Multiple endpoints
  • Version management

GraphQLQuery language for APIs

Strengths
  • Flexible queries
  • Single endpoint
  • Strong typing
  • Self-documenting
Tradeoffs
  • Learning curve
  • Caching complexity
  • Query complexity risks

tRPCEnd-to-end typesafe APIs for TypeScript

Strengths
  • Full type safety
  • No code generation
  • Great DX
  • RPC-style
Tradeoffs
  • TypeScript only
  • Tightly coupled
  • Newer ecosystem

Next.js API RoutesServerless API with Next.js

Strengths
  • No separate backend
  • Easy deployment
  • Integrated with frontend
Tradeoffs
  • Cold starts
  • Less control
  • Vercel-optimized

DELIVERY SEQUENCE

A practical path
through the work.

  • 01Design API schema and endpoints
  • 02Choose API style (REST/GraphQL/tRPC)
  • 03Implement authentication middleware
  • 04Build core CRUD endpoints
  • 05Add input validation
  • 06Implement error handling
  • 07Add rate limiting
  • 08Generate API documentation

WATCH FOR

Common implementation mistakes.

  • 01
    Inconsistent naming conventions
  • 02
    Missing input validation
  • 03
    Poor error messages
  • 04
    No rate limiting
  • 05
    Missing authentication on sensitive endpoints
  • 06
    Not versioning the API

QUESTIONS

Before you commit the scope.

REST or GraphQL for my MVP?+

REST for simpler apps and teams new to APIs. GraphQL when you have complex, nested data or need flexibility for multiple clients. tRPC for TypeScript-heavy stacks.

How should I handle API versioning?+

URL versioning (/v1/users) is simplest for REST. For MVPs, avoid versioning until you have paying customers who need stability.

What about API documentation?+

Use OpenAPI/Swagger for REST. GraphQL is self-documenting. Generate docs automatically from code when possible.

RELATED DECISIONS

Continue mapping the release.

High-value capability

Rate Limiting

Protect your API from abuse and ensure fair usage with request rate controls.

DISCUSS YOUR APP

Turn this decision
into working software.

Bring the product context and current scope. We will choose the approach after the release is clear.

Discuss your app