RocketMVPRocketMVP
Essential for most MVPs

API Design for MVPs

RESTful or GraphQL APIs for mobile apps, third-party integrations, and frontend-backend communication.

5-14 days
Typical Timeline
$2,000 - $5,000
Typical Cost

When to Include

  • Mobile apps need a backend
  • Third-party integrations required
  • Multiple frontend clients
  • Public API is part of the product

When to Skip

  • Simple static websites
  • Server-rendered only applications

Technology Options

TechnologyProsCons
REST API
Resource-based API architecture
  • Simple and well-understood
  • Great caching
  • HTTP standard
  • Wide tooling
  • Over-fetching/under-fetching
  • Multiple endpoints
  • Version management
GraphQL
Query language for APIs
  • Flexible queries
  • Single endpoint
  • Strong typing
  • Self-documenting
  • Learning curve
  • Caching complexity
  • Query complexity risks
tRPC
End-to-end typesafe APIs for TypeScript
  • Full type safety
  • No code generation
  • Great DX
  • RPC-style
  • TypeScript only
  • Tightly coupled
  • Newer ecosystem
Next.js API Routes
Serverless API with Next.js
  • No separate backend
  • Easy deployment
  • Integrated with frontend
  • Cold starts
  • Less control
  • Vercel-optimized

Implementation Steps

1
Design API schema and endpoints
2
Choose API style (REST/GraphQL/tRPC)
3
Implement authentication middleware
4
Build core CRUD endpoints
5
Add input validation
6
Implement error handling
7
Add rate limiting
8
Generate API documentation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Inconsistent naming conventions
  • Missing input validation
  • Poor error messages
  • No rate limiting
  • Missing authentication on sensitive endpoints
  • Not versioning the API

Frequently Asked Questions

REST or GraphQL for my MVP?

REST for simpler apps and teams new to APIs. GraphQL when you have complex, nested data or need flexibility for multiple clients. tRPC for TypeScript-heavy stacks.

How should I handle API versioning?

URL versioning (/v1/users) is simplest for REST. For MVPs, avoid versioning until you have paying customers who need stability.

What about API documentation?

Use OpenAPI/Swagger for REST. GraphQL is self-documenting. Generate docs automatically from code when possible.

Related Features

Rate Limiting

Protect your API from abuse and ensure fair usage with request rate controls.

Learn more

Need Help Implementing API Development?

We'll build it right the first time. API Development is included in our $3,999 MVP package.

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