When is Hypermedia and HATEOAS a Right Fit For Your API?

Hypermedia APIs, enhanced by HATEOAS (Hypermedia As The Engine Of Application State), offer a dynamic approach to API design by providing self-descriptive links that guide users to related endpoints and resources. This approach facilitates runtime discovery, allowing API consumers to explore the available data and capabilities, much like navigating the web. Hypermedia not only informs users about possible actions but also supports API evolvability by introducing new capabilities without disrupting existing functionalities. Furthermore, it encourages a loosely coupled architecture by allowing endpoints to focus on specific tasks and use hypermedia links to connect to related information, thus avoiding the need for comprehensive data in each response. This makes hypermedia a suitable choice for most APIs beyond the basic level, as it transforms them into more interactive and adaptable tools for users.