API design is communication

API design is fundamentally a communication process that extends beyond technical elements such as HTTP methods and JSON structures, emphasizing the need to effectively convey digital capabilities to various stakeholders, including the marketplace, consuming developers, and across network boundaries. It explores how well-designed APIs and comprehensive documentation communicate potential outcomes and digital capabilities, enabling users to leverage or build upon them, while also reflecting an organization's business capabilities. By mapping digital capabilities to business architecture, organizations can better understand the value streams and market segments their APIs address. For developers, API documentation serves as a crucial interface, requiring clear guidance on how operations can be combined to achieve complex results, thus facilitating effective problem-solving and reducing the risk of developers turning to alternative solutions out of frustration. Additionally, choosing the appropriate network protocol impacts communication granularity and performance, highlighting the importance of a thoughtful API design process that ensures the right API style is available to suit the desired communication level.