Question 1

How do Microsoft REST API guidelines compare to Google's API design guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Microsoft's guidelines are more REST-focused with specific extensions for Azure and Microsoft Graph, while Google's cover broader API styles including gRPC. Both prioritize consistency and developer experience, but Microsoft's is better suited for Microsoft-centric environments.

Question 2

How to implement versioning in APIs using Microsoft guidelines?

Accepted Answer

The guidelines recommend using URL-based versioning (e.g., /v1/resource) or header-based approaches, with clear deprecation policies to maintain backward compatibility and ease client transitions.

Question 3

Are these guidelines mandatory for Azure services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Azure service teams are directed to reference companion documents, making adherence effectively mandatory for internal Microsoft services to ensure consistency, though external adopters can use them as a reference.

Question 4

What's the difference between the general guidelines and Microsoft Graph ones?

Accepted Answer

The general guidelines provide broad REST API principles, while the Microsoft Graph version includes specific patterns for entity relationships and permissions tailored to Graph services, as noted in the README's companion documents.

Question 5

How can I contribute to the Microsoft API guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Contributions are open-source via GitHub; follow the contribution guidelines document to submit feedback or changes, allowing community-driven evolution of the standards.

Question 6

Do Microsoft API guidelines support OpenAPI specifications?

Accepted Answer

While not explicitly integrated, the guidelines align with OpenAPI best practices and can inform OpenAPI definitions, but lack direct tooling or enforcement for specification generation.

Microsoft REST API Guidelines

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