Four Practical Tips for Building Your Own Java API

We live in an age of micro-service architectures so naturally, web developers are now building more APIs for their apps than ever. However, inexperienced developers still have trouble building their own APIs from scratch. The whole point of an API is to make someone’s life easier. A poorly designed API won’t really simplify the development process nor do anything positive for your reputation.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to simplify the API development process and help you create an API that will help developers around the web strengthen their apps and boost your rep as well.

Also, keep in mind that you’re building an API that’s meant to be used by human beings. And humans need instructions. Without proper documentation, most developers probably won’t bother using your API at all. That’s why start writing documentation early in the development process and remember to use the best API documentation tools available. With that in mind, let’s proceed to our tips…

1. Secure Authentication with TLS Support

You can think of an API as a highway of sorts, which allows users to access your app. Now, allowing authentication requests with TLS is basically like allowing people to drive intoxicated in tanks down the highway. Giving users password-based authentication is also a bad idea for too many reasons to list. That’s why you should go with TLS support if you want to be safe. While this may seem like a lot of work – trust us – it’s really not, plus, it’s definitely worth the effort.

2. Use DataDog to Visualize Your API Data

This may sound a bit strange, but the best way to visualize your API data is to use an API. As you’re aware, data analytics and monitoring is vital for the production of your API. However, a vast majority of users won’t tell you before they start testing your API out. If you want to strengthen the infrastructure of your API, you really need to have user insight. For this problem, we recommend the DataDog API that will help you visualize all of your metrics.

3. Start Encouraging Better Security Habits

You how most sensitive information leaks? By human error, that’s how. You’d be surprised just how many people send their credentials accidentally by email. It actually happens more often than you think. In order to help your users keep their API keys safe, you should encourage better security habits. For instance, you may tell them to store their keys in files only readable by them. You can instruct the users to do this through the terminal, no matter what programming language they working in. What’s more, you shouldn’t be above making your API key button red.

4. Build Your Own Java Web Service

If you want to get your API into production without much effort or setup, you should using Spring Boot. It will free you from all of the overly complex configuration files and allow you to create standalone apps, which don’t require an external container. But possibly the best thing about taking this approach is that it comes with pre-built security. That means you won’t have to sweat over having support. If you’ve never used Spring Boot before, don’t worry too much, you can easily find a number of detailed tutorials online both in written and video format.

The Bottom Line

For some people, managing access control and authentication for their APIs is more than work than it is really worth. However, both of these processes are pretty important, so you should still pay some attention to them.

By following the instructions we laid out above, you’ll not be able to make your API more secure than ever, but you’ll also make easier to maintain. These tips will also save you a ton of time and code, which will definitely have a positive effect on your bottom line down the road.

We hope you found our writing interesting and our tips useful. As always, if we missed out on something crucial – or if you have any additional tips – feel free to tell us all about by leaving a comment in the comment section below.

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