NoCode API Versioning: 4 Best Practices

Want to update your API without breaking things? Here's how to do it without coding:

1. Use semantic versioning (major.minor.patch)
2. Display version numbers clearly
3. Keep old versions working
4. Document all changes

NoCode API versioning lets you:

• Update APIs visually
• Add new features easily
• Manage different versions

Who needs it? Startups, business owners, developers, and product managers.

Here's a quick comparison of NoCode vs traditional versioning:

NoCode API versioning is growing fast. Gartner predicts 70% of new business apps will use NoCode by 2025, up from 20% in 2020.

Let's dive into the best practices for NoCode API versioning.

Related video from YouTube

NoCode API Versioning Basics

NoCode API versioning lets you update APIs without coding. It's like tuning your car's engine while driving, but with a touchscreen instead of tools.

NoCode vs. Traditional Versioning

Here's the difference:

NoCode platforms make API creation easy. You set up endpoints and parameters visually, not through code.

Take Zapier. It lets you work with APIs without writing code. This means business owners and product managers can jump in too.

But NoCode has limits. It's great for MVPs, but complex projects often need real coding. Gartner says by 2025, 70% of new business apps will use NoCode. That's up from 20% in 2020.

APIs are promises to your users. Once out there, you can't break them. If you must make big changes, it's version time.

Breaking changes include:

• Renaming fields
• Changing payload structures
• Fixing bad HTTP verb or response code choices

Non-breaking changes are usually add-ons, like new fields or endpoints.

When versioning, consider:

• Resource versioning
• URI versioning
• Hostname versioning

Pick based on your needs and users.

Use Semantic Versioning

Semantic Versioning (SemVer) is a must for managing NoCode API changes. It's a simple system that helps everyone understand update impacts.

Here's how SemVer works:

Why use it? It's clear, prevents breaks, makes maintenance easier, and plays nice with automation.

In NoCode platforms, you might see version numbers on visual elements like data models or endpoints.

But here's a hot take:

Stick to major versioning for APIs. Minor and patch versions? Not worth the hassle.

Why? Maintaining multiple API versions can be a pain. For NoCode, focus on major changes and use the visual interface for smaller tweaks.

Want to use SemVer in your NoCode API? Here's how:

1. Start at 1.0.0
2. Make changes in the visual builder
3. Ask: "Will this break stuff?"
4. If yes, bump the major version. If not, use minor or patch
5. Document changes in your platform's changelog

2. Show Version Numbers Clearly

NoCode API versioning? It's all about making those version numbers pop. Here's how to nail it:

Version Display Methods: The Showdown

Four ways to flaunt your API versions in NoCode:

Showing Versions: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

For NoCode APIs, URI path versioning is often the way to go. It's like a neon sign for your users.

Do it right:

1. Kick off with /v1. It's your API's debut album.
2. Stick to whole numbers (v1, v2, v3) for major versions. Keep it simple.
3. Don't kill old versions. Your users will thank you.

"APIs are forever." - Werner Vogels, Amazon's CTO

Vogels nails it. Your API might outlive your favorite jeans.

Quick tips:

• Use semantic versioning (1.0.0) in docs. It's like a birth certificate for your API.
• Keep a changelog. It's your API's diary.
• Let users follow updates. RSS or email - dealer's choice.

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3. Keep Old Versions Working

Keeping old API versions running is crucial. It builds trust and prevents headaches. Here's how to do it:

Dealing with Major Changes

1. Plan for backward compatibility

When updating your NoCode API, add new stuff without breaking the old. How?

• Create new endpoints instead of changing existing ones
• Use default values for new optional parameters
• Keep old field names, add aliases for new ones

2. Use versioning for big changes

Need to make major updates? Create a new API version. Users can stick with the old version while you roll out changes.

Stripe does this well. They use "version change modules" that include:

• Change documentation
• Transformation to apply the change
• Affected API resource types

This keeps old versions separate from core code. Easier maintenance.

3. Communicate changes clearly

Give users a heads up about changes. Way in advance. Here's how:

4. Help users migrate

Make moving to new versions easy:

• Offer clear migration guides
• Support users during transition
• Use feature flags for testing new features

Amazon's CTO, Werner Vogels, said it best: "APIs are forever." Your API might outlast other parts of your product. Plan for the long haul.

4. Write Down All Changes

Tracking API changes is crucial. It's not just note-taking - it's creating a clear history for you and your users.

Why? Developers rank "Accurate and Detailed documentation" as the third most important API feature (SmartBear's The State of API 2020 Report).

Here's how to do it right:

1. Use a changelog: List new features, bug fixes, and removals.
2. Make it public: Show users what's changed.
3. Be specific: Explain what you fixed and why it matters.
4. Date everything: Include when changes were made.

Tools for NoCode Documentation

Some tools make NoCode API documentation easier:

These tools can auto-generate docs from your API definitions and update them automatically.

"A good changelog should be straightforward, informative, organized, engaging, and in line with the brand identity and personality." - AnnounceKit

Some companies do this well:

• Discord uses pop culture references in updates.
• Slack makes changes feel like chat messages.
• Minecraft uses videos to show new features.

The key? Make your docs reflect your brand. Keep them clear, consistent, and up-to-date.

Versioning in Popular NoCode Tools

How do NoCode platforms handle API versioning? Let's look at some popular tools.

NoCode Platform Features Compared

Xano offers full version control. It's a backend builder for creating and deploying APIs without coding. Their $99/month plan includes versioning.

Bubble focuses on front-end development with built-in version control. Users can test changes and roll back if needed. Pricing starts at $25/month.

"Bubble's version control lets us test new features without breaking our production app", says a user from a mid-sized tech startup.

Zapier isn't an API builder, but it's popular for API integrations. It lacks native versioning but connects 6,000+ APIs. Pricing starts at $29.99/month for unlimited workflows.

Make (formerly Integromat) has a visual interface for automation workflows. It offers limited versioning but excels in real-time automation. Core version starts at $10.59/month.

NoCodeAPI keeps it simple. It offers quick API setup with pre-built modules and basic versioning. The personal version starts at $12/month.

When picking a NoCode tool for API development, think about your versioning needs. For complex projects needing detailed change tracking, consider Xano or Bubble. For simpler needs or integrations, Zapier or NoCodeAPI might work.

Conclusion

NoCode API versioning keeps your API running smoothly as you update it. Here's what you need to know:

Key Takeaways

1. Semantic versioning (major.minor.patch)

This system tells users what kind of changes you've made. It's like a code that says, "Hey, this update might break things" or "Don't worry, everything should still work fine."

2. Make versions easy to spot

Put the version in the URL or headers. It's like putting a big label on a box so everyone knows what's inside.

3. Don't break old stuff

Keep old versions working while you roll out new ones. It's like keeping your old phone as a backup when you get a new one.

4. Write it all down

Keep a detailed list of changes. Think of it as a diary for your API.

These practices aren't just for show. They make your API easier to use and maintain.

Werner Vogels, Amazon's CTO, once said: "APIs are forever." It's a reminder that getting versioning right from the start is crucial.

As NoCode tools become more popular, smart API versioning will only grow in importance.

FAQs

How do I manage versioning in API?

API versioning is key for keeping things running smoothly. Here's how to do it:

1. Pick a versioning method

Go with what fits your API. Stripe's been using URL versioning (api.stripe.com/v1/) since 2011. It's worked well for them.

2. Do you really need a new version?

Not always. Twilio often adds features without changing their version number. They only bump it for big changes.

3. Keep your docs up-to-date

Clear docs are a must. Postman does this well. They have separate docs for each version, making it easy to spot changes.

4. Roll out changes slowly

Don't rush it. Shopify gave developers a whole year to switch to their 2022-07 API version. That's plenty of time for a smooth move.

5. Phase out old versions

Set a clear end date for old versions. GitHub usually supports their 3 latest API versions. This gives users time to catch up.

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