REST API Design Cheat Sheet¶
Helps you design REST APIs that are easy to use and hard to break, including streaming LLM APIs.
Design APIs that are easy to use and hard to break: naming, status codes, errors, pagination, versioning, idempotency, security, streaming LLM APIs and three APIs designed end to end. 7 parts on 6 printable pages. Free.
- For
- Backend developers
- Level
- Intermediate
- Format
- PDF · 6 pages · light + dark
- Pages
- 6
- Language
- English
- Delivery
- Instant download after you enter your email
- Licence
- Free to share unchanged, with credit
- Support
- aiwithpriyabrat@gmail.com
Who it's for¶
For: Backend developers. Level: Intermediate.
What you get¶
| File | What it is |
|---|---|
api-design-cheat-sheet.pdf | Light version, 6 pages |
api-design-cheat-sheet-dark.pdf | Dark version, 6 pages |
Highlights
- 6-page PDF, light and dark versions
- 14 status codes and one error format
- 3 worked API designs and interview answers
What's inside¶
- Naming, HTTP methods, 14 status codes and one error format for every endpoint
- Pagination, versioning, idempotency keys, ETags and rate-limit algorithms
- Authentication, JWT pitfalls, CORS and a security checklist
- The 10 rules that matter most, anti-patterns and breaking vs safe changes
- Worked designs (RAG, URL shortener, payments), streaming, webhooks and interview answers
Preview and sample pages¶
Real pages rendered from the PDF.
Requirements and compatibility¶
| You need | Any PDF reader — your web browser is enough |
| Works on | Desktop, tablet and phone Light version for printing, dark version for screens |
| Format | PDF · 6 pages · light + dark |
| Pages | 6 |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Language | English |
How to use it¶
- Open the PDF in any PDF reader, including your web browser.
- Print the light version on A4 paper; use the dark version on a screen.
What's included and what's not¶
Included
- api-design-cheat-sheet.pdf
- api-design-cheat-sheet-dark.pdf
Not included
- Editable source files: the download is the PDF
Licence¶
Free downloads may be downloaded, printed and shared unchanged, with credit: keep the author's name, the website link and the footer on every page. You may not sell them, include them in a paid product, or remove or change the author credit. Full wording: Terms, section 2.
Delivery and support¶
The download starts as soon as you enter your email or continue with Google.
Support: email aiwithpriyabrat@gmail.com or use the contact page. We reply within 2 working days (Monday–Friday).
FAQ¶
Is it really free?
Yes. Enter your email (or continue with Google) and the download starts straight away. No payment and no account. You'll get an occasional email about new free notes and cheat sheets; unsubscribe any time.
Which version should I download?
The light version prints well; the dark version is easier on screens. The content is the same.
Can I share it?
Yes, unchanged and with credit: keep the author's name, the website link and the footer on every page. You may not sell it or include it in a paid product.
Your next step¶
Next: FastAPI for GenAI. Build the API you designed in FastAPI, including endpoints that stream LLM responses.
Go further: System Design Quick Revision Sheet (coming soon, ₹99 at launch). The API sheet goes deep on one interface. The System Design Quick Revision Sheet puts APIs in a whole system: load balancers, caching, databases, messaging and 26 classic design problems.
Related products¶
Free to start with: FastAPI notes (free)
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