API-Only Integration

API-Only Integration is a software development approach where applications or services communicate exclusively through well-defined Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), typically using REST, GraphQL, or gRPC protocols over HTTP/HTTPS. It decouples frontend and backend components, allowing them to evolve independently while ensuring data exchange through standardized endpoints. This methodology is central to modern microservices architectures and headless CMS implementations.

Also known as: API-First Integration, Headless Integration, RESTful Integration, API-Driven Development, Backend-for-Frontend (BFF)

Why learn API-Only Integration?

Developers should use API-Only Integration when building scalable, maintainable systems that require loose coupling between components, such as in microservices, mobile apps with separate backends, or headless e-commerce platforms. It enables teams to work on frontend and backend independently, supports multiple client types (web, mobile, IoT), and facilitates integration with third-party services without direct database access or tight dependencies.

Learning Resources

• docs: API-First Design: Best Practices
• tutorial: REST API Tutorial
• article: GraphQL vs REST: Which API to Choose?
• docs: Microservices and API Gateways
• course: API Design Course on Coursera