API Specifications
API specifications are formal documents that define the structure, behavior, and requirements of an Application Programming Interface (API). They serve as a contract between API providers and consumers, detailing endpoints, request/response formats, authentication methods, and error handling. Common formats include OpenAPI (formerly Swagger), RAML, and API Blueprint, which enable automated documentation, code generation, and testing.
Developers should learn API specifications to ensure consistency, interoperability, and maintainability in API-driven systems, such as microservices, web applications, and integrations. They are essential for documenting APIs for internal teams or external partners, automating testing and validation, and facilitating collaboration in distributed development environments. For example, using OpenAPI allows generating client SDKs and server stubs, reducing manual coding efforts.