Have you ever tried building something without reading the instruction manual? If so, you know how frustrating it can be.
You might end up with parts in the wrong order, or worse, the finished product doesn’t work the way it should.
That’s why it’s crucial to start with a solid foundation and a clear blueprint that defines how everything will fit together.
This is exactly what an API-first approach does for software development. By prioritizing the API, you set your entire system up for success.
In this post, we’ll look at what an API-first strategy is and explore how it can benefit both your business and your development team.
What is an API?
First, let’s review: An API (Application Programming Interface) allows one piece of software to communicate with another.
APIs work behind the scenes to define how software will interact, exchange data, and respond to requests.
APIs allow you to interconnect systems. With an API-first approach, you build other software components, such as databases and user interfaces, around this foundation.
What is API-first?
API-first means building application programming interfaces (APIs) before any other parts of an application.
You build the API first, treating it as the core product, before developing the front-end or back-end components. This approach contrasts with other methods, where the API is often treated as an afterthought.
“API-first means designing the OpenAPI specification first, which can be quickly iterated on while co-creating and validating with customers.”
–Ryan Clifford, Director of Product at PandaDoc
All other components, like the UI, database, and logic, are built around this centralized API.
An API is like an instruction manual that helps different apps and software talk to each other and work together.
So, an API-first approach means starting with the instruction manual and building everything else–apps, websites, tools, etc., based on this foundation.
By prioritizing the API, developers ensure that their system communicates seamlessly across different platforms and services right from the start.
API-first vs. code-first
API-first and code-first approaches differ in the order of operations.
The key difference is in where the development process begins.
API-first: You start by designing the API contract (structure/rules of how systems will communicate) before writing the rest of the code. API-first is about prioritizing interface design for system-to-system communication, not user interfaces.
Code-first: You write the application code first and generate the API from that code. This can sometimes lead to inconsistent or harder-to-use APIs
API-first vs. API-design first
While both approaches focus on APIs, they have different priorities that define how pieces are designed.
- API-first: The API is the core product. Developers build the API first, and all applications are built around it.
- Design-first: This can overlap with API-first, but mostly refers to visual or UX design work being done before development.
Ryan adds, “The difference here is that we are not designing for pixels to look perfect; we are designing how the API will be easily consumed by a developer.”
What are the advantages of API-first software platforms?
Investing in software with an API-first design can significantly enhance your organization’s efficiency, flexibility, and ability to scale.
Faster integrations
A well-defined API makes it easier to integrate new software with your existing systems, reducing the need for complex customizations.
This means your teams can start using the software quickly and realize value sooner.
Improved operational efficiency
With an API-first platform, your organization can optimize workflows by reusing the same APIs across multiple applications and teams.
This reduces redundant efforts and helps your teams focus on what matters most—driving innovation and supporting business goals.
Enhanced collaboration
Clear and comprehensive API documentation helps bridge the gap between different teams, including IT, operations, and business units.
With a unified understanding of how the platform integrates into your existing processes, your teams can work more effectively together.
Scalability that supports business growth
An API-first platform is designed to grow with your business.
Whether you’re adding new products, integrating with third-party services, or expanding to new channels like mobile, APIs ensure your technology can scale easily and support future needs, while maintaining consistency across platforms.
Colonies used the PandaDoc API integration within their Property Management System to automate document generation and signing, all within a single platform. This integration reduced the application process time by 25%.
“PandaDoc’s API integration has been a transformative tool for Colonies as we continue to scale across new properties and countries. Each lease is automatically tailored to meet regional legal requirements and property specifics, saving countless hours in document preparation and significantly reducing errors. Automating these processes within our platform has not only improved tenant satisfaction but also empowered our team to focus on expanding our reach and enhancing our offerings.”
-Thomas Guillot, VP Digital, Colonies
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Frequently asked questions
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An API-first approach benefits software development in several ways.
It accelerates product development by allowing teams to work on the front-end, back-end, and mobile parts at the same time. When APIs are designed first, they create a better user experience for internal and external developers.
An API-first strategy also improves scalability, making it easier to support new platforms and third-party integrations. Plus, it creates a stronger ecosystem by making it easier to integrate with other services, which can attract more partners.
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Unlike traditional development methods, an API-first approach treats the API as the core product or foundation and builds everything else around it.
An API-first strategy enables teams to work in parallel on different aspects of the application, accelerating development and improving integrations.
In contrast, traditional development methods often follow a linear approach. Applications are developed first, and APIs are created afterward. This can lead to slower development, increased risk of inconsistencies, and less flexibility when adding new features or integrating with external systems.
Disclaimer
PandaDoc is not a law firm, or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. This page is not intended to and does not provide legal advice. Should you have legal questions on the validity of e-signatures or digital signatures and the enforceability thereof, please consult with an attorney or law firm. Use of PandaDoc services are governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
