Schema First
Schema First is a software development approach where the data schema (e.g., API contracts, database schemas) is defined upfront before implementing the code. It emphasizes designing the structure and types of data exchanges early in the development process, often using tools like OpenAPI for APIs or SQL DDL for databases. This methodology promotes consistency, reduces integration errors, and enables automatic code generation and documentation.
Developers should use Schema First when building systems with clear data contracts, such as RESTful APIs, GraphQL services, or microservices architectures, to ensure interoperability and maintainability. It is particularly valuable in team environments or distributed systems where multiple services need to communicate, as it provides a single source of truth for data definitions and helps catch issues early in the development lifecycle.