When evaluating an API for a platform, asking the right questions is critical for ensuring the platform can meet your needs. Here are some important questions to consider:
1. Authentication & Security
- What authentication methods does the API support (e.g., OAuth, API keys, tokens)?
- How does the platform manage user permissions and access control via the API?
- Is data encrypted both in transit and at rest?
- Are there any rate limits or throttling rules in place for the API?
- How does the platform handle user data privacy and GDPR compliance?
2. Data Access & Structure
- What types of data are available through the API? Are all system features accessible, or are some limited?
- How is the data structured? Is it RESTful, SOAP, or GraphQL-based?
- What formats are available for data export (e.g., JSON, XML)?
- How does the API handle large datasets? Does it support pagination or chunking?
- Are there any specific fields or relationships, like row IDs or timestamps, that are critical to your system?
3. Documentation & Support
- How detailed is the API documentation? Are there clear examples and use cases?
- Does the API have a dedicated support team or service-level agreement (SLA)?
- Is there a sandbox or testing environment available for the API?
- How often is the API updated, and how is backward compatibility maintained?
4. API Rate & Limits
- What are the API rate limits (e.g., number of requests per minute/hour)?
- How does the platform handle requests exceeding the rate limits? Are there penalties or timeouts?
- Are there tiered pricing plans based on usage or rate limits?
5. Performance & Reliability
- What is the API’s uptime and reliability history? Is there a published status page or historical uptime metrics?
- What latency should you expect when making requests?
- Are there any redundancy or failover mechanisms for high availability?
6. Customisation & Extensibility
- Can the API be customised to suit specific workflows or use cases?
- Does the platform allow webhook integrations to trigger events in real-time?
- Can you extend or add custom data fields through the API?
7. Versioning & Deprecation
- How does the platform handle API versioning?
- What is the policy for deprecating old API versions, and how are users notified?
- Are breaking changes clearly communicated and documented?
8. Integration with Other Systems
- Does the API integrate well with third-party platforms, such as CRM, ERP, or data warehouse systems?
- Is there native support for any integration platforms, like Zapier, Integromat, or Microsoft Power Automate?
9. Error Handling & Logging
- How does the API handle errors? Are there standardised error codes and messages?
- Is there logging or auditing available for API calls?
- Can you access detailed logs for debugging purposes?
10. Cost & Licensing
- Are there any additional costs associated with API access (e.g., overage fees, licensing)?
- Are there usage-based pricing models or limits on the number of API calls per billing cycle?
- Is API usage included in your standard subscription, or is it an add-on?
These questions will help you evaluate whether the platform’s API meets your functional, security, and performance requirements, ensuring a more informed selection.