What is validation in APIs and why is it important?

What is validation in APIs and why is it important?

Validation in APIs refers to the process of ensuring that the data sent to and from an API meets certain criteria. It's important because it helps maintain data integrity, prevents errors, and enhances security.

Can you give me examples of validation techniques used in APIs?

Sure! Common validation techniques include schema validation, type checking, and value constraints. For instance, using JSON Schema to define the structure of the data.

What happens if validation fails?

If validation fails, the API typically returns an error response, indicating what went wrong. This helps clients understand and correct their requests.

How can I implement validation in my API?

You can implement validation by using libraries or frameworks that support it, such as Joi for Node.js or Marshmallow for Python. Define your validation rules and apply them to incoming requests.