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URL Versioning

URL Versioning in ASP.NET Core Web API

What is URL Versioning?

URL versioning is a practice of introducing version numbers into API URLs to denote changes in the API. This allows developers to keep track of API changes and use different versions of the API in different applications.

Benefits of URL Versioning

URL versioning offers several benefits, including:
  • It allows developers to maintain backward compatibility, as they can refer to an older version of the API.
  • It allows developers to test new features without affecting the existing API.
  • It allows developers to rollback to previous versions if needed.
  • It provides a clear indication of the API version, making it easier to debug and troubleshoot.

Implementing URL Versioning in ASP.NET Core Web API

ASP.NET Core provides several ways to implement URL versioning. Here are the most common approaches:

Query String Versioning

In this approach, the version number of the API is included in the query string of the URL. For example: http://example.com/api/products?version=1.0

Header Versioning

In this approach, the version number of the API is included in the HTTP request header. For example: Accept: version=1.0

Custom Header Versioning

In this approach, the version number of the API is included in a custom HTTP request header. For example: X-API-Version: 1.0

URL Path Versioning

In this approach, the version number of the API is included in the URL path. For example: http://example.com/api/v1/products

Tips for Implementing URL Versioning in ASP.NET Core Web API

  • Always specify the version in the URL, as this makes it easier to debug and troubleshoot.
  • Use a consistent versioning scheme, such as Semantic Versioning, to ensure that changes are properly documented and tracked.
  • Consider using a custom HTTP header, as this allows you to keep the URL clean and easily readable.
  • Document all changes in the API, as this will help developers understand the changes and use the correct version.