RESTful API Design

Core Principles

1. Resource-Oriented - URLs represent nouns, not verbs
2. Stateless - Each request contains all necessary information
3. Consistent - Use standard HTTP methods and status codes
4. Versioned - Support API evolution without breaking clients

URL Structure

# Collection resources
GET    /api/v1/users           # List users
POST   /api/v1/users           # Create user

# Individual resources
GET    /api/v1/users/:id       # Get user
PUT    /api/v1/users/:id       # Replace user