OpenAPI Specification, or OAS, is a standard for describing APIs that’s now widely used in the industry. The description format, which is stored in a machine-readable form, can also be converted into a human-readable format for purposes like generating API documentation. Thanks to the standard of efficiency enabled by OAS, many API companies have adopted it for their design processes, especially for REST APIs. Implementing OAS is also a well-known method for enhancing developer experience, or DX. This applies to both internal developers working on the product itself, and external developers looking to integrate with a new API.
If you haven’t started using OAS for your API project, here are some reasons why you should consider doing so. Using OAS with a visual editor like the Stoplight API design studio will produce an API internal and external developers alike will enjoy working with.
What Factors into Positive Developer Experience for APIs?
First, a word on what developer experience for APIs entails. The concept is not very far from user experience (UX), which involves an end user’s convenience and ease in manipulating the elements of a product. Like with UX, DX pertains to creating a positive overall impression of the software. But when it comes to DX in particular and what influences it for the better, the following factors are often involved:
- A seamless fit into the developer’s applications
- The increase of the developer’s efficiency in their work
- An alignment with the business objectives the developer assumes on the part of their home company
When something enhances the synergy between an API developer and their platform, positive DX is achieved. Positive DX, in turn, has a trickle-down effect for the rest of the API design process. It can result in a well-designed API product, greater profits down the line, and a larger community of supporters for the API.
The Role of OpenAPI Specification in Enhancing Developer Experience
That said, implementation of OAS often improves developer experience to a great degree. It’s no wonder that this specification, once used for an online dictionary service, has become the industry standard especially among REST API developers. Here are four ways that OAS significantly contributes to DX.
It Confers a Single Source of Truth to API Developers
Consistency is key when designing an API. It’s a quality that developers aspire for when building a product, and also a quality they look for when adopting one. Upholding OAS as the single source of truth for describing the API will score you points with developers, particularly those familiar with the specification. It communicates to them that consistency is a built-in attribute of the API’s design process, by virtue of what’s specified in the OAS-driven API contract.
It Enhances Collaboration and a Sense of Community Among API Developers
OAS is a great vehicle for creating and sharing knowledge about designing APIs. There’s also a large ecosystem of resources behind it, backed by some of the API industry’s top minds. It’s easy to stay updated about OAS best practices, to get tutorials on its usage, and to get additional tech support from OAS’s developer community. This sense of community and enhanced collaboration is something your developers won’t overlook, as it factors greatly into their overall DX.
It’s Reliable and Has Updated Security Features
Throughout the years since its rise in popularity, OAS has sown a reputation for being both dependable and secure. Any developer working with your OAS-driven API will have a lightweight, but highly flexible description format at their disposal.
If you use the most updated version of OAS, which is Version 3.0.3, you’ll also be privy to improvements in its security features. Using what are categorized as security schemas, OAS enables multiple flows for Auth0 in its security definition. This, paired with OAS’s innate adaptability, establishes an environment in which developers can work with a stable and secure API.
It Can Help Streamline Processes Like API Testing and API Documentation
Your developers may be involved in the crucial tasks of testing the API and compiling API documentation. External developers may also want the opportunity to tinker with sample code and to peruse the API docs to know how to use the product. OAS serves as a big help to these two tasks, to the pleasure of any developer involved. As the basis of an API contract, it can be used for purposeful and efficient API testing. It can also be quickly compiled on a visual editor and transformed into useful, creative, and engaging API docs.
Conclusion: Developer-Centric API Design with OpenAPI Specification
Suffice to say, you’ll find immense potential in OpenAPI Specification to improve your DX. This highly adaptable and streamlined description format has helped many an API developer complete their business objectives.
Do the same for every developer involved in your project, and consider adopting an OAS-driven, developer-centric approach for your API.
