How to build a unified API for your product integrations

Unified APIs offer a streamlined approach to integrating multiple third-party APIs by providing a single, consistent interface, thus simplifying the codebase and reducing maintenance burdens. While pre-built unified APIs are quick to implement, they often lack the flexibility required by specific use cases, prompting many B2B SaaS companies to develop custom unified APIs tailored to their needs. The primary benefits of unified APIs include simplified integration logic, centralized mapping, consistent error handling, and faster support for new APIs. However, they also pose challenges such as accommodating only the lowest common denominator of features across APIs, managing complex mapping logic, and handling discrepancies in data models. The decision to use unified APIs should consider the importance of the integration and whether specialized API functionality is required. Custom unified APIs are often preferred for their flexibility and adaptability, despite the increased development effort. Building a unified API requires careful planning, starting with defining interactions, data models, and implementing robust infrastructure. Leveraging tools like AI-powered development aids and integration platforms can accelerate development and enhance reliability, but it is crucial to design with long-term extensibility and maintainability in mind.