The API Changelog

The API Changelog Substack covers a wide range of topics related to APIs, including architectural best practices, integration platforms, governance, security, and productization trends. It offers opinions, news, and analyses on API developments, tools, and their impact on businesses and technology.

API Development and Best Practices API Security and Governance Integration Platforms as a Service (iPaaS) API Productization and Market Trends Software Architecture and Product Thinking No-Code Development and iPaaS API Documentation and Marketing Funding and Acquisitions in the API Ecosystem

The hottest Substack posts of The API Changelog

And their main takeaways

Three Elements of a Good API README

4 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🕹 Technology APIs Documentation Software Development Tools
  1. A good API README should give a clear overview of what the API does. This helps users quickly understand its purpose and features.
  2. The 'Getting Started' section is important for guiding users on how to authenticate and make their first request. This ensures they can use the API without confusion.
  3. Lastly, include practical information about key operations in the API. Users should see examples and know where to find more detailed documentation for further help.

Data Models, Types, or Schemas?

4 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology APIs Data Models Software Development Programming Data Management
  1. Naming things is tough, especially when it comes to defining API data. Different people use different terms like data model, data type, or schema, which can lead to confusion.
  2. A data model helps to represent and organize information, while a data type defines the kind of data values it can hold. However, people often associate data types with simple categories like strings and numbers.
  3. The term 'schema' is commonly used to describe the structure and format of API data. Many standards, like OpenAPI and GraphQL, reference schemas to clarify how to define input and output data.

Are AI Agentic Workflows the Future of Automation?

10 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Automation APIs Workflows Data
  1. AI agentic workflows can adapt and make decisions like humans, allowing them to handle unexpected situations in real-time. This makes them more effective than traditional automation, which often breaks down with changes.
  2. Using APIs is essential for AI agentic workflows because they enable access to live data and help connect different services. This makes workflows smarter and more responsive to current events.
  3. Switching to agentic workflows can reduce the maintenance costs of automation and doesn't require deep technical knowledge, making it easier for more people to implement.

Documentation-driven API Design

6 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology API design AI Tools Documentation Software Development
  1. You can create an API by simply writing down what you want it to do, and AI can help turn that into a working API document. It's as easy as writing a description and letting the technology handle the rest.
  2. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, you can get detailed how-to guides for your API based on a simple description, making it easier to understand how to use it.
  3. By generating an OpenAPI document from your description, you can quickly set up a mock API server, allowing you to test and get feedback on your API design in no time.

CUAs Can Become APIs

3 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI APIs Automation Software Computer Science
  1. CUAs, or Computer-Using Agents, can perform tasks on computers like humans do. They are designed to help with tasks even when normal APIs are unavailable.
  2. As CUAs can act on your behalf after initial help, they can eventually work automatically. Their ability to do this raises questions about how much control we want to give them.
  3. Making CUAs available as APIs is technically simple. This opens up many questions about what tasks should be accessible and who gets to use them.
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OpenAI EU, Stripe + Bridge, Qualys TotalAppSec

1 implied HN point • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI APIs Fintech Cybersecurity Automation
  1. OpenAI launched the O3 Mini AI to compete with DeepSeek, aiming to offer top-notch reasoning and coding skills while being free on the ChatGPT platform.
  2. Stripe acquired the stablecoin platform Bridge for $1.1 billion, marking a significant move into the cryptocurrency sector.
  3. Qualys introduced TotalAppSec, an AI-driven tool for managing application risks that helps enhance API safety and web app security.

Germany's giroAPI, MoneyHash $5.2M, BeyondTrust Compromised API Key

1 implied HN point • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology APIs Cybersecurity AI Funding Fintech
  1. DeepSeek is under investigation for using OpenAI's models inappropriately, raising concerns about data security and ethical AI practices.
  2. Germany launched giroAPI, a new standardized API aimed at improving payment systems in Europe and enhancing financial technology competitiveness.
  3. BeyondTrust faced a security breach due to a compromised API key, which highlighted the importance of strong security measures in API management.

Producer-Oriented API Documentation

3 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🕹 Technology APIs Documentation Development Producers Consumers
  1. Good API documentation is very important for user experience. It helps consumers understand how to use the API effectively.
  2. Producers should use the documentation to see metrics about their API's performance. This helps them make better decisions about improvements.
  3. Sharing some API usage data with consumers could enhance transparency and build trust. It allows users to see popular features and error rates.

Samsung + Instacart, Jentic $4M, US Treasury Cyberattack

3 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity APIs Artificial Intelligence Integration Startups
  1. A cyberattack targeting the US Treasury shows that hackers linked to the Chinese government are still a threat. This attack involved stealing access keys and highlighted serious security flaws.
  2. Samsung teamed up with Instacart to allow grocery shopping through smart refrigerators starting in 2025. This partnership aims to make food shopping easier and smarter for users.
  3. The AI startup Jentic raised €4 million to grow its team and develop its AI integration platform. The platform aims to help different AI agents communicate and work together more smoothly.

Apple Advance Commerce API, Highnote $90M, Perplexity Sonar

1 implied HN point • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology APIs Software AI Fintech Commerce
  1. Apple launched a new Advanced Commerce API to help developers manage in-app purchases more easily. This API supports apps with large content libraries and complex subscription needs.
  2. Highnote raised $90 million in funding to improve its card issuance platform, aiming to streamline payment processes for businesses. The company is expanding its offerings to make payments easier for small and large enterprises.
  3. Perplexity introduced an API called Sonar that integrates generative AI search capabilities into applications. This tool promises to provide accurate answers and is aimed at making AI-driven tools more accessible for developers.

The New API

3 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology APIs Development Software Integration Architecture
  1. The new API is all about flexibility. It will change itself to fit what users need instead of sticking to old rules.
  2. Users can communicate with the new API using any format or style they like, whether it's REST or GraphQL. It adapts automatically to what makes sense for each user.
  3. Developers won't have to worry about the technical details as much. They can focus on creating useful features because the API will manage itself behind the scenes.

Non-technical API Design Should Be Possible

9 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology API design Product Management User Experience Technical Writing
  1. API design doesn't have to be technical. Non-technical people can focus on understanding what users need and planning the API without coding.
  2. Involving non-technical individuals early in API design can help identify user challenges and improve API functionality, making them more aligned with user needs.
  3. With the right tools, like Flotiq, non-technical people can create and test APIs easily, allowing for immediate feedback before handing off to developers for more complex tasks.

USAF Aircraft Maintenance Standard, xAI $6B, Postman Leak

3 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Digital Tools Data security APIs Fintech
  1. ChatGPT and Sora experienced service outages, affecting many users. This situation shows how important it is for digital services to have strong systems, especially during busy times.
  2. The U.S. Air Force is creating a new standard for aircraft maintenance that will help both military and commercial aviation. This is a big step towards improving safety and efficiency in aircraft upkeep.
  3. A major leak revealed that thousands of Postman Workspaces exposed sensitive data like API keys. This highlights how crucial it is to secure digital information to prevent cyber risks.

LG ThinQ API, Boomi + Rivery, McDonald's Delivery Flaw

3 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🕹 Technology APIs Software Innovation Security Funding
  1. LG has opened its ThinQ API for developers, allowing for smarter home tech integration. This helps create innovative and connected home solutions.
  2. Boomi is set to buy Rivery to improve data management and integration. This will make it easier for companies to handle their data effectively.
  3. A serious security flaw was discovered in McDonald's delivery app, potentially allowing free orders. McDonald's acted quickly to fix the issue, showing their dedication to online safety.

SmartBear Hubs with HaloAI, Quantifind $22M, BeyondTrust API Key Breach

1 implied HN point • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI APIs Cybersecurity Fintech Software
  1. OpenAI is launching its new o3-mini AI model soon. This model is smaller and more efficient, designed to help developers create voice apps quickly.
  2. Quantifind has raised $22 million to improve how financial crime is detected using AI, making it easier to find suspicious transactions.
  3. BeyondTrust faced a security issue where a compromised API key led to unauthorized access, highlighting the importance of keeping such keys safe.

API Documentation for Machines

6 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI APIs Documentation Development Software
  1. API documentation should be structured and easy for machines to read. Using known formats like OpenAPI helps AI agents understand the API better, making it easier for them to use.
  2. Clearly define all operations and parameters in the documentation. AI agents need specifics about input types and constraints to avoid confusion.
  3. It's important to document errors and provide examples. Even machines need clear guidance on what each error means to function properly.

Using OpenAPI Overlays to Differentiate Consumer Personas

4 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🕹 Technology APIs Documentation Security Development Tools
  1. API documentation can be tailored for different users to protect sensitive operations. This is important because revealing too much information can become a security risk.
  2. Using multiple OpenAPI documents can be challenging to maintain, as changes need to be updated in each separate document.
  3. OpenAPI Overlays help manage different user needs without complicating maintenance. They allow adding or changing API operations based on user types easily.

Orphan, Shadow, and Zombie APIs

4 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🕹 Technology APIs Software Development Cloud Data Management
  1. APIs can be categorized based on their usage and management status. Knowing if an API is 'orphan', 'shadow', or 'zombie' helps understand if it's being used or managed properly.
  2. An 'orphan' API is one that is documented but not used, wasting resources without serving a purpose.
  3. A 'shadow' API is used but not documented or managed, while a 'zombie' API is outdated but still running, consuming resources without support.

The API Integration Nightmare

4 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology APIs Software Development Integration Networking
  1. APIs are meant to connect different applications, but integrating them can be really frustrating. Many developers face issues with poor documentation and unclear instructions.
  2. Experimenting with APIs often reveals surprises, like missing parameters or unexpected responses. This can make it feel like you’re constantly troubleshooting without getting anywhere.
  3. Managing multiple APIs adds even more stress because they often don’t follow the same standards. This can lead to lots of headaches when trying to make everything work smoothly together.

Connecting AI with Any API

1 implied HN point • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI APIs Workflows Software Integration
  1. AI can connect to any API, even those without clear documentation. This means you can work with various APIs just by telling the AI what to do in plain language.
  2. Using tools like n8n makes it easier to link AI agents to APIs without needing to code. You can set up workflows that allow the AI to understand and use different API functions.
  3. Providing clear instructions to the AI helps it generate better responses. Adding details about how to query an API can improve the accuracy and clarity of the results you get.

Perplexity Election Information Hub, Speakeasy $15M, OpenAI Cheaper RealTime API

3 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology APIs AI Cloud Software Tech news
  1. Google Cloud has launched a new feature that helps developers get real-time and accurate information by pulling data from Google Search. This reduces errors in AI responses and gives users direct links to sources.
  2. OpenAI has made its RealTime API much cheaper, cutting costs dramatically for developers creating voice applications. This update will help more developers use advanced voice technology.
  3. Speakeasy has secured $15 million in funding to improve API development tools. This is important because there is a growing need for better tools to create high-quality APIs.

xAI API, Qpoint $4M, Upwind eBPF Sensor

3 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology APIs AI Software Startups Funding
  1. Elon Musk's company xAI has launched an API called Grok, which allows developers to build applications using its AI capabilities. This move shows how tech giants are competing in the AI space.
  2. Qpoint secured $4M in funding for its eBPF-based tech that will help monitor data traffic and dependencies in apps, improving reliability without adding complexity.
  3. Upwind has introduced a new API security feature that automatically identifies and secures sensitive data during transmission, enhancing protection against potential breaches.

Databricks Synthetic Datasets API, Vapi $20M, Prometheus Data Leak

1 implied HN point • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology APIs Data AI Fintech Cybersecurity Software
  1. OpenAI and Meta experienced global outages recently, disrupting services for many users. They are working on fixes to prevent this from happening again.
  2. Databricks launched a new API for creating synthetic datasets to help with testing while protecting privacy. This is useful for developers needing realistic simulation data.
  3. Prometheus servers are at risk of data leaks due to weak authentication, making it important to enhance security measures to prevent potential attacks.

apidays Paris, Cerve Food API $4.4M, Traefik AI Gateway

1 implied HN point • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology APIs AI Fintech Security Conferences
  1. The apidays conference in Paris brought together many people to share ideas about APIs. It had various tracks on important topics like security and design.
  2. Several companies are launching new APIs to make processes easier, such as identity management and payment systems. These updates enhance personalization and efficiency for businesses.
  3. AI advancements are being integrated into different products, with companies like Amazon and GitHub making tools to simplify coding and deployment. This makes it easier for developers to work with cloud technologies.

The API Middle-End

1 implied HN point • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Web Development APIs Software Engineering Data processing System Architecture
  1. The API middle-end is an important layer that handles logic between the frontend and backend. It helps process requests and responses more efficiently.
  2. Using a middle-end can improve API performance by adapting and translating data without heavy delays in service, like caching and asynchronous operations.
  3. This concept can benefit both API producers and consumers by creating a more tailored and efficient interaction with the API, similar to how GraphQL APIs manage multiple data sources.

Spotify Closes API, PlayAI $21M, SEC EDGAR Next

1 implied HN point • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology API AI Music Fintech Data
  1. Spotify is limiting access to its API for third-party developers. This change is meant to protect user data but has upset many developers who feel left in the dark.
  2. PlayAI has raised $21 million to improve its AI voice technology. This funding will help them create better speech tools for businesses.
  3. The SEC is updating its EDGAR system for better security and account management. These changes will make filing and managing documents easier for companies.

Gemini OpenAI Compatibility, Qpoint $4M, Ollama's Security Flaws

1 implied HN point • 12 Nov 24
🕹 Technology APIs Cybersecurity Software Funding Artificial Intelligence Fintech
  1. Cybercriminals are manipulating the Docusign API to send fake invoices to businesses, making them look real to trick users. This highlights the potential risks in API security that could extend to other services too.
  2. Qpoint has raised $4 million in funding to help companies manage their external APIs better. Their goal is to give teams more control and insights over the apps they rely on.
  3. Ollama's AI framework has been found to have serious security flaws, which can lead to data theft and DoS attacks. This underlines the importance of strong security measures in AI technologies.

Governing API Consumption

6 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Consumer behavior Developer Experience
  1. Breaking changes in APIs can disrupt consumer integrations, leading to failures. Producers need to understand and mitigate breaking changes to maintain API usability.
  2. API governance faces challenges as consumers may not adhere to contracts, causing uncontrolled consumption and dependencies. Aligning API usage closely to expected scenarios helps manage these issues.
  3. Controlling API consumption can be improved by providing SDKs that offer a standardized way to interact with the API, reducing the risk of breaking changes and fostering smoother interactions between producers and consumers.

Exposing Your API Should be Easy

7 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology APIs Security Development
  1. Exposing your API locally provides advantages like security and ease of use.
  2. Using ngrok can help make your local API publicly available over the internet.
  3. Adding a gateway like Zuplo can enhance security and authentication for your exposed API.

Common iPaaS Challenges

4 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Integration Customization Scalability Legacy Systems
  1. Setting up the right iPaaS solution for your business comes with challenges due to integrating systems with different data formats and protocols.
  2. Customization is critical in iPaaS solutions to manipulate data, interpret errors, and adapt to changes in APIs for successful integrations.
  3. Scalability in iPaaS solutions is essential to handle increasing requests, queueing for load balancing, and prioritizing requests to prevent overload and ensure integration continuity.

Is API Documentation Marketing?

4 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Development Marketing Documentation
  1. API documentation can borrow elements from marketing when done right, focusing on presenting the API to potential users.
  2. API documentation parallels some aspects of the traditional marketing framework, such as product presentation, pricing visibility, architectural choices, and technology support.
  3. Good API documentation aims to quickly and easily engage a technical audience, aligning consumer needs with business objectives to serve as a marketing tool.

The Ruler of API Governance

4 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology APIs Governance Security Development Business
  1. API governance is crucial for aligning API goals with business objectives and ensuring consistency in the API lifecycle.
  2. The role of the ruler of API governance involves overseeing all aspects of the API lifecycle, such as design, versioning, security, and compliance.
  3. Being a great ruler of API governance requires deep thinking, wisdom to navigate business complexities, and a desire to improve processes.

RouteOne On-Demand API, Reddit IPO, Naz.API 1B Leaked Credentials

4 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology API Fintech Security AI Funding
  1. A new book called 'Building an API Product' by Bruno is now available and targeted towards Product Managers and non-technical individuals.
  2. Several companies have made significant announcements, such as Techmap launching an international Job Posting API and Blue Sage Solutions launching a digital servicing platform for mortgage life cycle support.
  3. Reddit is planning to launch an IPO in March, aiming to become the first social media IPO since Pinterest in 2019.

The Relationship between No-Code and iPaaS

4 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Integration No Code UI Design AI
  1. No-code allows users with little or no coding experience to build software solutions, especially integrations between applications.
  2. Visual UIs in iPaaS solutions simplify the process of creating integrations without code, but may lack troubleshooting capabilities for non-technical users.
  3. An emerging trend involves intent-based UIs powered by AI, enabling users to control APIs and connect applications using voice commands.

Google SQL Translator API, StackOne €3.3M, Salt Security Developer Portal

3 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Fintech Security Events Funding
  1. Google introduced a unified SQL translator API for BigQuery, aimed at enhancing efficiency in translating jobs and supporting various SQL dialects.
  2. StackOne secured €3.3M in seed funding to improve its AI-powered unified API for SaaS enterprises, acknowledging its potential in streamlining SaaS integrations.
  3. Salt Security launched a Developer Portal as a centralized resource to automate API security, focused on improving developer experiences and enabling secure API integrations.

The Evolution of iPaaS

4 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Integration Scalability
  1. iPaaS evolved from manual, inefficient data exchange methods before the rise of EAI and SOA.
  2. Modern iPaaS is cloud-based, user-friendly, and supports real-time integration for businesses.
  3. Challenges in iPaaS evolution include security, data privacy, legacy system integration, and the emerging use of AI.

Tray.io AI-Augmented API Management, Dwolla Open Banking, JetBrains UI Testing API

3 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Fintech Security
  1. Tyk introduces AI-augmented API management for collaborative integration and microservice creation, reducing technical debt and operational costs.
  2. Dwolla unveils Open Banking Services enhancing payment functions for seamless business integration and operational efficiency.
  3. JetBrains releases Compose Multiplatform 1.6.0 with a UI testing API, improving cross-platform UI testing and accessibility on iOS.

Two Ways to Influence Business Growth with API Documentation

3 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology APIs Business Growth Documentation Cost reduction Customer Retention
  1. Good API documentation can significantly reduce the cost of API support by enabling consumers to troubleshoot their integration issues independently.
  2. Enhancing customer retention is crucial for business growth, and providing a positive developer experience through good documentation can lead to increased retention rates.
  3. API documentation plays a vital role in influencing both the cost of support and customer retention, ultimately driving the success of a business.