An API error is an issue that occurs when an application programming interface (API) fails to function as expected. If a program calls a particular method within the API, but the system doesn’t respond as expected, then you’ve got trouble on your hands. No matter how well-designed your API is, it can still encounter API errors that disrupt data flow and functionality. There are numerous reasons why this might occur, but fortunately, there are also steps that can be taken to resolve the issue. In this guide, we’ll go over what APIs are and how they work so you can better understand how to fix this problem should it arise.
What Does API Failure Mean?
API failure refers to situations where an API does not function as expected or returns incorrect or incomplete data. These failures can result from various factors, including incorrect usage, security vulnerabilities, or issues on the server side. Understanding the types of API errors is crucial for effective troubleshooting. There are two primary types of API failure: server and client.
Server-side API errors occur on the host server, which means that they are not the fault of the application or any other user. These include things like connection issues or database connectivity problems. The client-side refers to issues with the client application itself, such as invalid requests or incorrect parameters being passed in.
Common API Errors And How To Solve Them
The following are some of the most common API errors and how to solve them:
1. Incorrect API Permissions
If you’ve configured your application’s permissions incorrectly, it could result in an API error. This is often caused by either not setting up a custom scopes field or not adding the correct scopes for each request type. The best way to solve this is by logging into the Google API console and viewing your project’s permissions. Here, you can make sure that the correct scopes are being used for each request type. If not, add them or remove any unnecessary ones.
2. Unsecured Endpoints And Data Access Tokens (DAT)
Exposing sensitive data or API tokens in client-side code can lead to security breaches. To address this, store API tokens securely on the server, use OAuth2 or JWT for token management, and implement proper authorization checks. Additionally, use secure transports like HTTPS to ensure that all connections between servers and clients are encrypted.
If you have an API key on your website or web app, don’t store it locally in plain text on the client side. Instead, store the key securely on the server so that only authorized users can access it. Also, keep in mind that if your mobile app has a backend, then any credentials for accessing that backend should be stored securely as well and not shared with other apps or services.
3. Invalid Session Management
Session-related errors can disrupt the user experience. To solve this, review your session management processes, use stateless authentication where possible, and handle token expiration gracefully. In the case of a session-related error, you should display an appropriate message to the user and provide them with options on how to proceed. Make sure that your messaging is clear and doesn’t confuse users about what happened or what they need to do next.
4. Expiring APIs
APIs evolve, and older versions may become deprecated. Receiving “API version deprecated” errors means you need to update your integration to the latest version. Stay informed about API changes through documentation and announcements. If you have a large number of integrations, it can be difficult to keep track of API changes. You may need to update your integration or create a new one if the API is updated. If an API version is deprecated, consider what impact this change has on your application and any customers who use the API.
5. Bad URLs
Invalid or outdated URLs can result in “404 Not Found” errors. Double-check your API endpoints, and ensure they are correctly configured in your code. If you’re using an API tool like Postman, check the URL when you click “Send” or “Test.” If it’s invalid or outdated, fix it before clicking “Run.” If your integration is sending requests to an external server (such as a third-party data provider), double-check that the URLs are correct and point to valid resources.
6. Overly Complex API Endpoints
Complex API endpoints can lead to confusion and errors in usage. Simplify your API design by breaking down endpoints into smaller, more focused functions and providing clear documentation. If you need to create multiple API endpoints for a single function, break them down into separate APIs and manage them separately. This will make it easier for developers to use your API without needing to understand the details of how each endpoint works. This can also reduce the number of API errors that users may encounter when trying to use the API.
7. Exposed APIs on IPs
Leaving your APIs exposed on public IPs can make them vulnerable to attacks. Implement security measures such as firewalls, API gateways, and IP whitelisting to protect your APIs. If you must have your APIs exposed on public IPs, consider using an API gateway to protect them. An API gateway can be used to control access to your APIs and enforce security policies. For example, if a request comes in that exceeds the allowed number of calls per minute or requires authentication, the API gateway will reject it.
Avoiding Future API Error
To avoid these API errors, it’s important to keep in mind some of the key principles of API design.
1. Use HTTPS
This is an obvious one, but many websites still don’t use this secure protocol for all traffic. If you’re going to be making calls and sending data back and forth between your site and another service or server, do yourself and your users a favor by implementing HTTPS at all times. It encrypts data in transit and protects against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
2. Check HTTP Methods
You should also make sure that you look over the methods being used in each request–are they allowed? What about headers? If there are any issues here (like using PUT instead of POST), then it may cause problems down the road when trying to make requests against that endpoint again later on.
3. Authorization Matters
Implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to your APIs. You should also check the authorization headers to make sure they are present and valid. If you don’t want people making requests with certain HTTP methods or specific headers, then you should ensure that the appropriate restrictions are in place.
4. Keep an Eye on Caching
Cache API responds intelligently to reduce server load and improve performance, but be mindful of caching stale data. If you’re using a cache that supports ETags, use them to invalidate stale data. If you’re not using ETags or any other type of cache control headers, then you should consider implementing caching at the application level. This will help ensure that your APIs are always returning up-to-date content even if they are experiencing high load.
5. Mind the Fields
When making API requests, specify the fields you need to reduce the payload size and improve response times. Only request the fields that are necessary for your application to function properly. For example, if you’re building an app that displays a user’s profile, then don’t include their email address in the request unless you need it. If the email address isn’t needed, don’t include it! This will help reduce response times by reducing payload size and network traffic.
Conclusion
In summary, an API error is a problem that occurs when the API does not respond as expected. These API errors can be caused by many factors, such as network connectivity issues or incorrect inputs from your end. API errors can be frustrating and disruptive, but with proper understanding and proactive measures, they can be mitigated and prevented. By addressing common API errors and following best practices for security and usability, developers can create more robust and reliable software systems that leverage the power of APIs while minimizing disruptions and data breaches.
