Say it like this
- We need to implement API versioning before releasing this breaking change
- API versioning strategy helps us maintain backward compatibility
- The client is still using v1 of our API, so we support API versioning
Use it at work
Planning a change
- We'll need API versioning before we remove that field.
- Let's put the breaking changes in v2.
Talking to clients
- v1 will stay live for six months after v2 launches.
- Please move to the new API version by March.
In a design review
- Are we versioning in the URL or in a header?
- Do we have an API versioning policy?
Don't say this
Even internal APIs need versioning strategies when multiple teams consume them; internal does not mean unchanging.
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. We must implement _______ before releasing breaking changes to ensure our clients do not experience outages.
2. A colleague asks how you will handle the breaking change. You respond:
3. Which sentence uses API versioning incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this sentence using the term API versioning: 'We have to keep the old way the API works while also making a new way with our improvements.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"We need to implement API versioning before releasing this breaking change"
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More about API versioning
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"We should start planning API versioning for the authentication module since we're making breaking changes next quarter."
- in a code review
"This endpoint should include proper API versioning in the URL path to avoid breaking existing integrations."
- in a team meeting
"Our API versioning policy requires us to support at least two major versions in production simultaneously."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse with software versioning in general. API versioning specifically refers to managing different versions of an API interface, not the entire application.
- ✕API versioning means changing the version number of our entire application.✓API versioning refers specifically to managing versions of the API endpoints and their contracts.
API versioning is distinct from application versioning; it focuses on the API interface, not the entire software product.
- ✕We should support all ten previous versions of our API indefinitely.✓We should define a deprecation policy and support major versions for a reasonable period, such as 12-18 months.
Supporting too many versions increases maintenance burden; teams need clear timelines for version deprecation.
Other forms(3)
- API versioning noun
"API versioning is essential when building distributed systems."
- API version noun
"Our service currently supports three API versions in production."
- version (an API) verb
"We decided to version the endpoint differently to maintain compatibility."
Often used with(5)
- implement API versioning · Used when starting a versioning strategy for an API
- API versioning strategy · Refers to the overall approach and plan for managing API versions
- API versioning scheme · The specific technical method used, such as URL-based or header-based versioning
- deprecate an API version · Informing clients that an older API version will no longer be supported after a certain date
- breaking change requiring API versioning · A modification to the API that is incompatible with existing clients
Similar words(3)
- version management · Broader term that includes all versioning practices; API versioning is more specific
- backward compatibility strategy · Describes the goal of API versioning rather than the practice itself
- API evolution · Describes how APIs change over time; API versioning is one tool for managing evolution
Opposites(2)
- breaking changes without versioning
- API deprecation without migration path
Questions(5)
- What does API versioning mean in software engineering?
- API versioning is the practice of maintaining multiple versions of an API simultaneously to support different clients while allowing the API to evolve. When you need to make breaking changes, you release a new version (like v2) while keeping the old version (v1) available, giving clients time to migrate without service disruption.
- How do you use API versioning in a sentence at work?
- You would say something like: 'We should plan our API versioning strategy before releasing this breaking change' or 'Our API versioning approach uses URL paths to distinguish between versions.' It is used when discussing how to manage API evolution and backward compatibility.
- Is API versioning formal or informal?
- API versioning is neutral in formality. It is a standard technical term used equally in casual team conversations, code reviews, and formal architecture documents. Non-native speakers should feel comfortable using it in any professional setting.
- What are common API versioning strategies?
- The three most common strategies are: (1) URL-based versioning (api.example.com/v1/users vs api.example.com/v2/users), (2) header-based versioning (using Accept headers), and (3) parameter-based versioning (api.example.com/users?version=2). Teams choose based on their client types and use cases.
- How long should you maintain old API versions?
- Most companies support major versions for 12-18 months after releasing a new version, though this varies. You should clearly communicate a deprecation timeline to clients, giving them sufficient notice to migrate. The exact timeline depends on your client base and the criticality of your API.
