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Discussion on: Good Bye Web APIs

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mvila profile image
Manuel Vila

Thanks, @safarian, for this long comment but I'm not sure to fully understand your point.

Except for the ability to expose a backend to some third-party developers, what are the benefits provided by an API layer?

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sarafian profile image
Alex Sarafian

Structure, control, real segregation of concern.

I'm not sure as what you are asking. I mentioned that BE/FE API are both important and if you try to hide/remove the FE API on the principal of developer convienience, then many architects would get worried.

Very simplified, just because it is FE API, it is not there to remove because it is inconvienient. :)

Though some words might be considered judgemental, I'll remind you that they are not used like that.

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mvila profile image
Manuel Vila

I am sorry but you didn't convince me. I can agree that for some complex projects with a large team an API layer can provide some useful guardrails, but for 95% of the web apps, I believe that an API layer is just an unnecessary burden.

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sarafian profile image
Alex Sarafian • Edited

In my original comment I mentioned long term and there is our different in mental approach and probably our professional engagement.

There is no argument against the context you describe but I consider them under the classifications of "quick and dirty", "fire and forget".

I'm not trying to convince you. Just sharing experience: ) :) . I probably wouldn't have convinced my younger self as well.

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mvila profile image
Manuel Vila

I won't bet you're older than me. :)