API Lifecycle
This document describes common ideas and stages related to API Lifecycle Management.
See also: APIOps
Lifecycle Stages
Design
In design stage, the API Owner and Developer consider the overall structure of the API. What information will be accessible? What access control will be provided? The design process also includes initial documentation, in standard formats.
- API description
- API diagram
- API business case
- Stakeholder communication plan
A Product Managers Guide to Cloud Integrations
Develop
The development stage involves programming or extending software platforms to provide access to the application data. This can be done in any platform, programming language, etc., and is dependent on existing infrastructure. The development process also includes revising of design documentation, to match the constraints of development.
- API specification document in machine format (e.g. RAML)
- API documentation file (e.g. Swagger)
- Custom software development
Deploy
Deployment inolves making the API accessible to the general public. This often falls under the jurisprudence of API Ops professionals, who manage the infrastructure to ensure functionality, uptime, etc.
- API load balancer configuration
- Proxy deployment and configuration
- Analytics configuration (e.g. reporting)
Revision
As new business and customer needs emerge, or as the data takes shape, it is often necessary to change the original design. This can be done in such a way that minimises disruption to existing customers, such as API versioning, deprecation notices, and backwards compatibility.
- User needs assessment
- Data service audit
- API revision planning
- User notification
Retire
Once the API has served its functional lifespan, it is time for it to be retired. This includes issuing retirement notices to existing customers, re-purposing infrastructure, and planning new business strategy.
- Business model document
- Stakeholder communication document
References
- 3scale - Practical Advice For The Stages Of The API Lifecycle
- Akana Lifecycle Manager overview
- apigee - API development lifecycle
- API Lifecycle is Critical for API Management Solutions
- Dell Boomi API Management
- CA Technologies - API Lifecycle Management
- Nordic APIs - The Entire API Lifecycle
- WSO2 - Managing an API Lifecycle
IBM Phases
- Preview
- Beta
- Live