API Stability Issues

The cluster revolves around debates on the risks of unstable APIs that change frequently, breaking third-party code and integrations, and whether providers should prioritize stability or rapid iteration.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Web Development
4,577
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#8137
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
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167
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2020
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Keywords

GTOR SQL CVS WTF github.com ByteBuddy API CAN api apis change cvs designers language library versioning changes implement

Sample Comments

krapp Mar 30, 2014 View on HN

Well, they should have an API, then it wouldn't matter. Until they changed the API.

mikesickler May 4, 2018 View on HN

Of course it could have! No API is foolproof

andreasklinger Apr 20, 2016 View on HN

Wouldnt the only solution to "see if you code worked with changing apis" to either1) never change apis even if you were wrong or you have more opportunities or 2) know everything beforehand and implement the api perfect

daeken Aug 16, 2010 View on HN

In all likelihood, they wanted to be able to change the API as they see fit, and didn't want to have other people depending on an API that was changing rapidly. Can't fault them for that.

bityard Feb 8, 2023 View on HN

People might not care, but APIs do.

thatgerhard Feb 13, 2018 View on HN

And change the api the next day destroying all work done by said developers.

octacat Dec 6, 2023 View on HN

and they would break their API again

rimliu Jun 18, 2017 View on HN

I now have a lot to deal with API which was created by people sharing your view. It is a nightmare.

faddotio Aug 26, 2013 View on HN

This. The API and its feature set is liable to change. This isn't a broken promise because no promises were made.

Rafsark May 18, 2022 View on HN

Why is it a problem to use an API?