When structuring resource paths and types, focus on clarity, consistency, and logical hierarchy. Resource paths should represent entities (nouns) rather than actions (verbs), with hierarchical relationships expressed through path segments. Use plural nouns for collections (e.g., /users instead of /user) to avoid ambiguity, and nest sub-resources under parent entities (e.g., /users/123/orders for a user’s orders). Avoid overly deep nesting (e.g., /users/123/orders/456/items/789) by using query parameters for filtering (e.g., /orders?user=123). Include unique identifiers (like IDs or slugs) in paths to access specific resources (e.g., /articles/how-to-code). This approach ensures predictable, self-descriptive URLs that align with REST principles.
Resource types should be explicitly defined using standard media types (e.g., application/json or application/xml) in HTTP headers. Use the Content-Type header to specify the format of the response body and the Accept header to let clients request a preferred format. For custom data structures, use vendor-specific media types like application/vnd.myapi.user+json. Versioning can be handled by including the version in the media type (e.g., application/vnd.myapi.v2.user+json) or the URL path (e.g., /v2/users). Avoid mixing versioning strategies to prevent confusion. For example, a request to /users/123 with Accept: application/json might return basic user data, while application/vnd.myapi.detailed-user+json could return additional fields like last_login.
Additional best practices include using hyphens for multi-word path segments (e.g., /order-items instead of /orderItems) for readability and URL encoding. Implement consistent error handling by returning standardized error objects with appropriate HTTP status codes (e.g., 404 Not Found with a JSON body like {"error": "User not found"}). Document all resource paths, supported media types, and error formats using tools like OpenAPI. For example, an e-commerce API might define /products for product listings, /products/{id} for individual items, and /products/{id}/reviews for nested reviews. By following these patterns, you create an intuitive, maintainable API that’s easier for developers to integrate with and extend.