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

Nylas API v3, MuleSoft PDK,Escape Found 18K+ Leaked Secrets

3 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🕹 Technology APIs AI Fintech Security
  1. API trends in 2024 include a dynamic ecosystem of tooling, AI integration, and the rise of API product managers for enterprise success with a focus on governance and visibility
  2. Companies like Nylas, MuleSoft, and BlueBox Systems are introducing new API solutions to enhance performance, security, real-time tracking, & urban infrastructure development
  3. Security remains a critical concern with news of over 18,000 exposed API secrets discovered by the team at Escape, emphasizing the importance of token management and regular rotations

The Impact of a Large Number of API Features

1 HN point • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology APIs Integration Developer Experience Documentation
  1. API features play a crucial role in how customers interact with a product when building integrations, and having a large number of features can be a significant business decision.
  2. The number of API features impacts the structure of teams within a company, as each feature may require a dedicated team, potentially increasing operational complexity.
  3. A low number of API features can lead to easier support, clearer documentation, and a simpler Developer Experience, ultimately contributing to better business outcomes.
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Kong AI Gateway, Bitly Barcode API, Feever €10M

1 implied HN point • 20 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Fintech Security Funding API
  1. Kong has introduced a new open-source AI Gateway with features focused on simplifying AI integration and centralized access.
  2. Feever, a Swedish Powertech firm, secured a substantial €10 million funding for expanding its energy asset connection platform across Europe.
  3. Bitly Inc. unveiled the first API for generating 2D Barcodes to enhance product data capture and consumer engagement, aligning with the predicted industry shift towards 2D Barcodes becoming standard by 2027.

Is Productization the Future of APIs?

1 HN point • 11 Jan 24
🕹 Technology APIs Industry Trends
  1. API-related funding in 2023 was over $800 million, showing a strong interest in growing API products.
  2. Companies like Amazon, Apple, and Meta launched new APIs in 2023 to enhance their existing products.
  3. In 2024, the trend of API productization is expected to continue, with more companies using APIs as standalone products or distribution channels.

How iPaaS Transforms Chaos Into Productivity

0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
  1. iPaaS solutions can transform chaotic information sharing into a productive environment by involving non-technical users in creating integrations early in the process.
  2. Using iPaaS simplifies handling data synchronization complexities, such as implementing data flow logic and workflows, leading to easier maintenance and scalability.
  3. iPaaS solutions offer centralized visibility and monitoring of integrations, enabling better performance understanding and adaptability to changing requirements.

Selectively Serving Your API Reference

0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology API design Web Development Software Engineering Documentation
  1. You can create an API reference that adapts to different users, offering both a human-friendly and machine-readable version. It's important to meet the needs of both audiences.
  2. Using an OpenAPI document makes it easy to generate a comprehensive API reference without much effort. It's like having a complete guide available for your API.
  3. Content negotiation allows you to serve the right version of your API reference based on the request type. This way, humans get a readable document, while machines receive the necessary JSON data.

Hubspot Imports API Validations, FINSIGHT + CFR, Exabeam OpenAPI

0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology APIs Telecom Digital Services AI Fintech
  1. Aduna is a new company aiming to improve global network API usage. They want to make it easier for developers to access and innovate with network capabilities.
  2. HubSpot's CRM Imports API will start checking for required properties before creating records. This means missing important details will cause an error when trying to import data.
  3. Exabeam has launched a new security platform that supports OpenAPI standards. This will help improve detection of security threats and make the operations center more efficient.

How Breaking Changes Affect API Documentation

0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Consumers Updates Dependencies
  1. Breaking changes in APIs can cause a mismatch between what the API does and what the documentation says. Updating documentation with new restrictions is complex and involves updating various elements like how-tos, tutorials, and code samples.
  2. When capabilities are removed from an API, corresponding parts of the documentation become outdated. It's crucial to update documentation to reflect what capabilities are no longer available, instead of leaving users confused with dead-end links.
  3. Maintaining a list of documentation dependencies for each API operation can help keep documentation aligned with changes introduced in the API. This method ensures that all relevant parts of the documentation are reviewed and updated when necessary.

Low-code API Prototyping Using Webhooks

0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🕹 Technology API Development Prototyping Software Engineering
  1. Webhooks are a great tool for creating API prototypes quickly and easily. They allow different applications to communicate without needing a lot of coding.
  2. Using webhooks, you can set up various actions like listing, retrieving, and creating items in an API. For example, you can manage a coffee list with simple GET and POST requests.
  3. This method is user-friendly and helps you get feedback quickly. It's perfect for testing ideas without a complex setup.

Strava Restricts API Access, Kong $175M, SixthSense API Security Observability

0 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🕹 Technology APIs Funding AI Security Cloud
  1. Kong raised $175 million to grow its API technology and expand globally. This is a big step for them to improve their services and bring more innovation to the market.
  2. Strava has tightened its API access to protect user privacy, affecting a small number of third-party apps. This change shows their commitment to keeping user data safe.
  3. Rakuten SixthSense launched new observability solutions to ensure data integrity and security. These tools are important for businesses to manage their data and APIs safely.

Trying Is a Way to Learn How an API Works

0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology APIs Software Development Programming Web
  1. Trying out an API rather than just reading about it helps you learn faster. You get to interact with it and see how it works in real-time.
  2. A safe space, like a sandbox, is essential when experimenting with APIs. This way, you can play around without affecting real data or making costly mistakes.
  3. Having tools like browser-based clients or simple forms makes it easier for users to test APIs. It encourages more people to try your API, which is crucial for attracting new users.

Why Aren’t APIs Using Code on Demand?

0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology APIs Web Development Software Engineering Programming User Experience
  1. APIs could improve user experience by using code-on-demand, similar to how web browsers run JavaScript. This would allow APIs to deliver more interactive and efficient services.
  2. The lack of a standardized client for REST APIs makes implementing code-on-demand challenging. New formats like HyperMap are being developed to help change that.
  3. Concerns about security hold back the adoption of code-on-demand in APIs, but the potential benefits suggest it could lead to better features and functionality.

Google Marketing API, Tavus $18M, Microsoft Patches 60+ Issues

0 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🕹 Technology APIs Fintech AI Security Software
  1. Google introduced a new API enhancing administrative control over analytics properties, merging organization details for easier management.
  2. Tavus, a generative AI video firm, raised $18 million and unveiled its Developer Platform with Replica API for text-to-video and digital replica creation.
  3. Microsoft patched over 60 security issues including critical vulnerabilities in HyperV and Open Management Infrastructure to ensure user safety.

Traefik API Sandbox-as-a-Service, Rapid + Nokia, Probely + Snyk

0 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology APIs Software Networking Security Innovation
  1. Nokia has bought Rapid's API technology to improve network services. This will help them connect better with developers and increase operator revenue.
  2. Traefik has launched a new API Sandbox service for quicker API development. This will help businesses manage their APIs more effectively.
  3. Snyk has acquired a company called Probely to enhance its API security offerings. This aims to improve security testing for applications, especially with AI.

MikMak New APIs, Harness + Traceable, DeepSeek Increases API Prices

0 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology APIs Digital Infrastructure Software Development Cybersecurity Fintech
  1. Aduna is working to make access to network APIs easier around the world by partnering with Sinch, which will help improve digital communication services.
  2. MikMak has launched new APIs and made updates to its platform to help brands increase sales and expand globally, including new pricing intelligence tools.
  3. DeepSeek is raising its API prices, which may lessen competition for cloud vendors while helping businesses focus on localized deployments.