Application Programming Interface (API) Endpoint

An Application Programming Interface (API) Endpoint is an API component that provides API access (through specific URL or URI for API operation execution).

• AKA: API Access Point, API Resource, API Route, API Operation Endpoint.
• Context:
  • It can (typically) handle HTTP Method through REST operations.
  • It can (typically) process API Request using request handlers.
  • It can (typically) return API Response via response formats.
  • It can (typically) validate API Parameter through input validation.
  • It can (typically) enforce API Authentication using security checks.
  • ...
  • It can (often) implement Rate Limiting for request control.
  • It can (often) cache API Response for performance optimization.
  • It can (often) log API Activity through activity tracking.
  • It can (often) handle API Error with error responses.
  • It can (often) support API Version via URL versioning.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Read-Only Endpoint to being a Read-Write Endpoint, depending on its operation type.
  • It can range from being a Public Endpoint to being a Private Endpoint, depending on its access scope.
  • It can range from being a Simple Endpoint to being a Complex Endpoint, depending on its functionality scope.
  • It can range from being a Stateless Endpoint to being a Stateful Endpoint, depending on its state management.
  • ...
  • It can integrate with API Gateway for request routing.
  • It can support API Documentation through endpoint specification.
  • It can utilize API Monitor for performance tracking.
  • It can implement API Cache for response caching.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • API Resource Endpoints, such as:
    • CRUD Endpoints, such as:
      • [[GET /users/{id}]] for user data retrieval.
      • POST /products for product creation.
    • Collection Endpoints, such as:
      • GET /orders for order listing.
      • GET /customers for customer listing.
  • API Operation Endpoints, such as:
    • Business Operation Endpoints, such as:
      • [[POST /orders/{id}/process]] for order processing.
      • POST /payments/authorize for payment authorization.
    • System Operation Endpoints, such as:
      • POST /auth/login for user authentication.
      • GET /health for system health check.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • API Interface, which defines the complete API contract rather than a single access point.
  • API Route Handler, which implements endpoint logic rather than defines the endpoint interface.
  • API URL, which specifies the access location rather than the complete endpoint functionality.
• See: API Design, API Documentation, API Testing, API Security, API Gateway, HTTP Method, REST API, URL Pattern.

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