During the development process
Use agile building methods
Use agile methods to build APIs: develop them in small steps and start from the most important one.
Find or create an open data model
Design an open data model as required by regulation and the operating environment. Also think of international interoperability in the model design.
Design the API structure
Develop draft APIs based on the data model and following the API First model. Co-design the drafts with relevant stakeholders.
Select an API style
Apply an architectural style diversely and with customer orientation, structuring value.
Manage processes by thinking of target groups
Focus on customer-oriented design and take API users' perspectives into account.
Prepare for API testing
Include automated unit testing and high-quality integration testing as built-in features in the API, and plan for comprehensive performance testing.
Consider data protection, information security and access rights
Protect any personal data processed through an API. The main goals of information security are for example data confidentiality, integrity and availability.