Report: Developers are increasingly adopting an API-first approach
In recent years, development teams have increasingly adopted an API-first approach to software creation, where APIs are the foundation of the application, with other components built around them. This shift from the traditional code-first approach, where APIs and other parts of the software are developed simultaneously, reflects the growing importance of APIs in modern software.
According to the 2024 State of the API report by Postman, 74% of developers now use the API-first approach, a significant increase from 66% last year. APIs have become the core building blocks, with the average application utilizing between 26 and 50 APIs.
Key Benefits of API-First
This approach has led to faster API production and quicker recovery from failures. In 2024, 63% of developers could produce an API within one week, compared to 47% last year. Additionally, API-first organizations are able to recover from API failures in under an hour, making them more resilient.
By focusing on API design, governance, and security, teams can unlock new opportunities, deliver faster, and ensure their APIs are optimized for long-term success.
Challenges Persist
Despite the benefits, API-first development still faces hurdles. Poor documentation remains the biggest obstacle, with 39% of developers citing it as a major issue. Many developers also face collaboration challenges, as 44% need to read source code to understand APIs, while over half work with non-technical colleagues such as product managers and designers. Additionally, 43% struggle with obtaining information from colleagues working across different time zones.
APIs as Revenue Generators
Another significant finding from the report is that 62% of developers are now generating income from their APIs, with 33% reporting that APIs contribute more than 50% of their total revenue. This reflects the growing trend of API-as-a-product, where APIs are treated as valuable, strategic assets for generating business value.
AI Driving Increased API Usage
The rise of AI has further accelerated API usage, with AI-related traffic on Postman’s platform increasing by 73% over the past year. Companies are now designing APIs not only for human interaction but also for AI systems, marking a new era of APIs for machines.
In summary, the API-first approach is proving to be a powerful strategy for modern software development, driving faster production, greater resilience, and even generating significant revenue. However, challenges such as poor documentation and collaboration difficulties must still be addressed to fully realize its potential.
Source: SD Times
