API Design Best Practices: REST vs GraphQL in 2026

Well-designed APIs make developers happy and enable rapid feature development. The Tech Brothers Podcast Network discusses API architecture regularly. Here's how to design excellent APIs in 2026.

REST: Still the Standard

REST APIs remain most common for good reasons. They're simple, cacheable, stateless, and well-understood. Use standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE). Return appropriate status codes. Version your API (/v1/users). Provide comprehensive documentation. Use consistent naming conventions. REST works great for most applications.

GraphQL: When Flexibility Matters

GraphQL lets clients request exactly the data they need. Reduces over-fetching and under-fetching problems. Single endpoint for all queries. Strong typing and introspection. But adds complexity—only worth it for complex data requirements or mobile apps needing bandwidth optimization. Most startups should start with REST and adopt GraphQL only if clear need arises.

API Design Principles

Make APIs intuitive and predictable. Use clear, descriptive names. Provide helpful error messages with actionable guidance. Version properly to avoid breaking changes. Document thoroughly with examples. Implement rate limiting. Use authentication and authorization appropriately. Consider developer experience—your API is a product.

The TBPN community shares API design patterns, reviews designs, and discusses real-world trade-offs. Document your API decisions in your TBPN notebook as you learn. Join discussions while enjoying coffee from your TBPN mug.