API versioning: A guide for when (and how) to version your API

API versioning is a crucial strategy for managing changes in APIs without negatively impacting consumers. It involves distinguishing between versions, which can introduce breaking changes, and revisions, which are internal updates that should not affect consumers. While having multiple API versions can lead to consumer churn due to the need for code updates, using revisions can help avoid disruptions. Different strategies exist, such as having multiple revisions within a version, moving quickly between versions, or maintaining one version with ongoing revisions. Each approach has its benefits and challenges, with the choice often depending on the provider's capacity to handle maintenance and support. Effective API versioning not only aids internal development but also enhances the developer experience by minimizing integration issues. It is essential for providers to clearly document their versioning strategy to set proper expectations for developers integrating with their APIs.