API Versioning
API versioning manages interface changes so new versions do not break old clients; common schemes are URL path, header, and query parameter versioning.
Purpose
Manage API evolution, ensuring backward compatibility and smooth migration.
Mechanism
URL path: /v1/users (explicit and simple). Header: Accept: application/vnd.api+json;version=1 (RESTful). Query: ?version=1. Semantic versioning: major breaks compatibility, minor adds features, patch fixes bugs. Deprecating old versions requires a transition period.
Use cases
- API management
- Backward compatibility
- Version evolution