API versioning directly affects the overall success of an API, and it requires careful planning to ensure that it is done methodically. API vendors should follow these steps to version their APIs as efficiently as possible:
Step 1: Choose a version control strategy
It is important to select an API version control strategy during the API design phase of the API lifecycle . This version management strategy should be common to all APIs in your portfolio. The earlier you think about versioning, the more likely you are to choose sustainable design patterns that will reduce the occurrence of critical changes. An early decision about API versioning will also help your team build a realistic roadmap for how your APIs will evolve to meet consumer needs for years to come.
Step 2: Confirm if a new version is needed
Change is an inevitable part of API development, but not every change requires a new version. Before deciding to release a new version, teams should evaluate the scope and impact of the change they want to make and determine if there is a way to do it in a backward-compatible way. For example, you might decide to add a new operation instead of changing an existing one. If there’s no way to avoid critical changes, you might consider holding off on introducing them until you release an exciting new feature that improves your customers’ experience.
Step 3: Update your documentation
If you’ve decided it’s time for a release of your API, it’s important to update your API documentation to include release notes. For example, you’ll need to communicate the reasons for the change, how it will affect consumers, and how you can access the new version. You may also want to include a release schedule and migration instructions, especially if you plan to eventually stop supporting the old version.
Step 4: Roll out the new version gradually
If possible, teams should release the new version of the API in stages, starting with a small group of users. They should then gather feedback from these users and address any issues before releasing the new version more widely. This approach helps teams ensure that the new version works as expected and provides valuable insight into how real consumers interact with the API.
Step 5: Cancel support for the old version
Once the new version is stable, teams should track adoption to assess how many users have successfully migrated to it. If adoption rates are as expected, teams can create and announce a timeline for discontinuing support for the old version. At this point, it is important to offer support to users who continue to use the old version, as they may need help migrating to the new version.