Why designing API before implementation speeds up development and improves code quality.
"Backend not ready yet, frontend waiting" - how many times have you heard this? In the traditional model, frontend must wait for backend to deliver endpoints. API-first eliminates this problem entirely.
Traditional approach vs API-First
Code-First (traditional)
- Backend writes code → generates docs
- Frontend waits for endpoints
- Documentation often outdated
- "This should work differently" mid-project
- Integration only at the end
API-First
- Contract first → then implementation
- Frontend and backend work in parallel
- Documentation = source of truth
- API discussions at project start
- Early integration through mocks
What does the API-First process look like?
Design workshop (1-2 days)
Frontend, backend, product owner in one room. Define: what endpoints, what data, what error codes. Leave with draft OpenAPI spec.
OpenAPI specification
Formalize draft in YAML/JSON file. Every endpoint, every schema, every example. This becomes the "contract" between teams.
Mock server
Generate mock server from OpenAPI spec (Prism, Stoplight). Frontend can start integration immediately - without waiting for backend.
Tools we use
When does API-First make sense?
Distributed team
Frontend in different timezone? API-first allows async work without blocking each other.
Public API
If API will be used by external developers - documentation must be perfect from the start.
Want to implement API-First in your team?
We'll run a workshop, help create your first specification, and train your team on the tools.