Should a Private API Also Be a REST API?

When it comes to developing a private API, the choice of standards can significantly impact the long-term sustainability and maintenance of your project. In this article, we will explore the considerations and implications of whether a private API should follow the REST (Representational State Transfer) architecture. We will also discuss other options and the advantages of sticking to widely recognized standards like OpenAPI and GraphQL.

What is a Private API?

First, let's clarify what a private API is. A private API is an application programming interface used within a single organization or entity. Unlike public APIs, which are made available for external consumption, private APIs are solely used for communication between internal systems or services. The key aspect is that the API is not intended for public use and is confined to specific internal needs. A private API does not need to adhere to the same level of interoperability and security as a public API, but it still needs to be sustainably maintained and scalable.

Choosing the Right Architecture for Your Private API

When building a private API, the choice of architecture depends on several factors:

Interoperability and Long-term Sustainability

Interoperability is crucial for maintaining sustainability, especially when dealing with evolving internal systems. REST is a widely adopted and easy-to-understand architecture that is versatile and keeps the burden of integration low. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that a private API must follow REST principles.

Shared Systems and Public Transition

If you anticipate that your private API will someday be shared or made public, it is advisable to choose a standard that can easily transition to a public API. REST is a popular choice for this transition due to its simplicity and wide adoption. However, other standards such as gRPC, OpenAPI, and GraphQL offer different benefits and should be considered based on your specific requirements.

Other Standards for Private APIs

There are several alternatives to REST that are suitable for private APIs, including:

Plain HTTP: A simple and lightweight option that is easy to implement and maintain. gRPC: A high-performance, modern protocol for service communication. It is efficient and popular in microservices architecture. MQTT, AMQP, JMS, ZeroMQ: Message-oriented middleware standards for real-time communication. These can handle complex scenarios and are particularly useful for IoT applications. Kafka topics: A distributed streaming platform for real-time data processing and aggregation. Websockets: Ideal for real-time communication and bidirectional messaging.

Why Consider REST for Both Private and Public APIs?

While other standards offer advantages, many organizations prefer to stick with REST because it aligns with a broader set of skills and resources available in the market. Here are some reasons why:

Skills and Market Demand: REST is more widely known and used, making it easier to find developers with the required skills. This is especially important during hiring and maintenance phases. Tooling and Ecosystem: There is a rich ecosystem of tools, libraries, and frameworks available for REST APIs. This makes development and deployment faster and more efficient. Documentation and Community Support: REST has extensive documentation and community support, making it easier to find resources and troubleshooting guides. Future-Proofing: REST is a mature and well-established standard, making it less likely to be phased out in the future. This provides long-term stability for your API.

Exploring Other Standards

If your private API needs specific features or performance characteristics, other standards may be more suitable. For example, gRPC is highly optimized for performance and is well-suited for microservices architecture. Similarly, MQTT, AMQP, and ZeroMQ are excellent for real-time communication and complex data streaming scenarios.

Conclusion

The choice of architecture for a private API depends on several factors, including long-term sustainability, future plans, and specific needs. While REST is a reliable choice that aligns with widely available skills and tools, other standards like gRPC, OpenAPI, and GraphQL offer unique benefits and are worth considering. Regardless of your choice, ensure that the API is designed for maintainability and scalability to support your evolving needs.