CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) handled through proper headers: Access-Control-Allow-Origin, Allow-Methods, Allow-Headers. Implementation includes preflight requests handling, proper middleware configuration, security considerations.
Resources/transformers format API responses: converting models to JSON/arrays, handling relationships, hiding sensitive data. Features include conditional attributes, nested resources, custom transformations. Important for consistent response formatting.
API caching strategies include: HTTP cache headers, response caching, query result caching. Use ETags, Cache-Control headers, implement cache invalidation. Consider cache layers (client, CDN, server) and cache lifetime.
API testing includes: unit tests, integration tests, end-to-end tests. Use tools like PHPUnit, Postman, automated testing. Test authentication, validation, error cases, performance. Implement CI/CD pipeline.
Error handling includes: proper HTTP status codes, consistent error format, detailed messages, error logging. Implement global exception handler, format exceptions properly, consider security in error messages.
JWTs are encoded tokens containing claims. Structure: header, payload, signature. Used for authentication/authorization. Implementation includes token generation, validation, refresh mechanisms. Consider security implications.
Composition combines multiple API calls into single endpoint. Aggregation combines data from multiple services. Consider performance, error handling, data consistency. Implement proper caching strategies.
REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style with principles: statelessness, client-server separation, cacheable resources, uniform interface, layered system. Uses HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) for CRUD operations.
API authentication methods include: JWT tokens, OAuth 2.0, API keys, Basic Auth, Bearer tokens. Implementation involves token generation, validation, middleware for protection, and proper error handling. Consider security best practices like token expiration.
Versioning strategies include: URI versioning (v1/api), header versioning (Accept header), query parameter versioning. Consider backward compatibility, deprecation policies, documentation. Choose strategy based on client needs.
Rate limiting controls request frequency. Implementation includes: tracking requests per client, setting time windows, using tokens/keys, implementing cooldown periods. Use Redis/cache for distributed systems. Return proper headers for limit status.
API gateway provides single entry point for multiple services. Features: request routing, authentication, rate limiting, caching, monitoring. Benefits include centralized control, security, scalability.
Microservices are small, independent services. Implementation includes: service communication, data consistency, deployment strategies, service discovery. Consider scalability, monitoring, error handling.
GraphQL is query language for APIs. Features: single endpoint, client-specified data, strong typing, real-time with subscriptions. Differs from REST in data fetching, versioning approach, and response structure. Consider use case for implementation.
Webhooks are HTTP callbacks for real-time notifications. Implementation includes: endpoint registration, payload signing, retry logic, event queuing. Consider security, validation, and proper error handling.
Common patterns include: Repository, Factory, Strategy, Observer, Adapter. Used for code organization, maintainability, scalability. Consider use case requirements, team familiarity, implementation complexity.
Best practices include: consistent response structure, proper HTTP status codes, clear error messages, pagination metadata, proper content type headers. Use envelope pattern when needed, handle nested resources, implement proper serialization.
File upload handling includes: multipart form data, proper validation, secure storage, progress tracking. Consider chunked uploads for large files, implement proper error handling, use secure file operations.
Throttling controls API usage by limiting request rate/volume. Implementation includes: token bucket algorithm, sliding window, concurrent request limiting. Consider user tiers, custom limits, proper error responses.
Pagination methods include: offset/limit, cursor-based, page-based. Include metadata (total, next/prev links), handle large datasets, implement proper caching. Consider performance and use case requirements.
