API-first architecture
A software development approach that puts API design before any implementation. Front-ends, mobile apps, third-party integrations, and microservices communicate from the start via consistent, documented APIs.
API
A software development approach that puts API design before any implementation. Front-ends, mobile apps, third-party integrations, and microservices communicate from the start via consistent, documented APIs.
Derivatives & related terms
- REST API
- GraphQL API
- gRPC
- tRPC
- API gateway
- API rate limiting
- API versioning
- OAuth 2.0/JWT
- OpenApi/Swagger
- API mocking
- API contract testing
- API monetization
- BFF (Backend for Frontend)
SEO tip
Headless CMS + API first setups require API responses to be rendered on the server side (SSR/SSG) — client-side fetching can completely prevent Googlebot from indexing content.
Source: Georgia Business & Technology Glossary by Del-Ops Technology & Consulting Team. Last Updated: February 2026.