Conceptual Split Between Resources And Public Resources.

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Introduction

In the context of API design, it is not uncommon to encounter situations where the same resource can be accessed through multiple URLs, each with its own set of behaviors and characteristics. This can lead to a conceptual model of resources that breaks down, making it challenging for API consumers to navigate and interact with the data. In this article, we will explore the idea of introducing a more explicit split between resources and public resources, and how this can help simplify the API and improve the overall user experience.

The Current State of Affairs

At present, it is possible to fetch the same Manifest at two different URLs: one using the flat ID and another using the slug/public ID. While this may seem like a minor issue, it can have significant implications for API consumers. The same resource, with different behaviors and ways of editing and constructing things like paths and identifiers, can lead to confusion and make it more difficult to work with the data.

The Problem with the Current Approach

The current approach to handling resources and public resources can be seen in the following example:

"GET /manifests/abc123"
{
  "id": "https://example.org/manifests/abc123",
  "type": "Manifest",
  ...
  "publicResource": {
    "id": "https://example.org/some/path/to/manifest",
    "type": "Manifest",
    "slug": "manifest",
    ...
  },
  "parent": {
    "id": "https://example.org/collections/def456",
    "type": "Collection",
    "publicResource": {
      "id": "https://example.org/some/path/to",
      "type": "Collection"
    },
    ...
  }
}

In this example, the publicResource property contains information about the public resource, while the public resource itself (with the IIIFCS-Show-Extras header) contains the apiResource property with extra information. This can lead to a situation where API consumers need to navigate multiple levels of nesting to access the information they need.

Introducing a More Explicit Split

One possible solution to this problem is to introduce a more explicit split between resources and public resources. This can be achieved by creating a separate property for each type of resource, as shown in the following example:

"GET /manifests/abc123"
{
  "id": "https://example.org/manifests/abc123",
  "type": "Manifest",
  ...
  "resource": {
    "id": "https://example.org/manifests/abc123",
    "type": "Manifest",
    ...
  },
  "publicResource": {
    "id": "https://example.org/some/path/to/manifest",
    "type": "Manifest",
    "slug": "manifest",
    ...
  },
  "parent": {
    "id": "https://example.org/collections/def456",
    "type": "Collection",
    "resource": {
      "id": "https://example.org/collections/def456",
      "type": "Collection",
      ...
    },
    "publicResource": {
      "id": "https://example.org/some/path/to",
      "type": "Collection"
    },
    ...
  }
}

In this example, each resource has a separate property (resource and publicResource) that contains the relevant information. This makes it easier for API consumers to navigate and interact with the data.

Benefits of a More Explicit Split

Introducing a more explicit split between resources and public resources can have several benefits, including:

  • Simplified API consumers: By separating the resources and public resources into distinct properties, API consumers can more easily navigate and interact with the data.
  • Improved flexibility: With a more explicit split, the API can grow and evolve more easily, as new properties can be added to each type of resource without affecting the other.
  • Reduced complexity: By separating the resources and public resources, the API becomes less complex and easier to understand, making it more maintainable and scalable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, introducing a more explicit split between resources and public resources can help simplify the API and improve the overall user experience. By separating the resources and public resources into distinct properties, API consumers can more easily navigate and interact with the data, and the API can grow and evolve more easily. While this may require some changes to the current implementation, the benefits of a more explicit split make it a worthwhile investment.

Future Directions

As the API continues to evolve and grow, there are several future directions that can be explored, including:

  • Adding new properties: As new properties are added to each type of resource, the API can continue to grow and evolve, providing more flexibility and functionality.
  • Improving navigation: By improving the navigation and interaction with the data, API consumers can more easily find and access the information they need.
  • Enhancing scalability: By separating the resources and public resources, the API can become more scalable and maintainable, making it easier to handle large volumes of data.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis and discussion above, the following recommendations are made:

  • Introduce a more explicit split: Introduce a more explicit split between resources and public resources, separating them into distinct properties.
  • Simplify API consumers: Simplify API consumers by making it easier to navigate and interact with the data.
  • Improve flexibility: Improve flexibility by adding new properties to each type of resource, making it easier to grow and evolve the API.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the idea of introducing a more explicit split between resources and public resources in API design. This concept can help simplify the API, improve flexibility, and reduce complexity. In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this concept and provide additional insights into its implementation.

Q: What is the main benefit of introducing a more explicit split between resources and public resources?

A: The main benefit of introducing a more explicit split between resources and public resources is to simplify the API and improve flexibility. By separating the resources and public resources into distinct properties, API consumers can more easily navigate and interact with the data, and the API can grow and evolve more easily.

Q: How does a more explicit split between resources and public resources improve flexibility?

A: A more explicit split between resources and public resources improves flexibility by allowing new properties to be added to each type of resource without affecting the other. This makes it easier to grow and evolve the API, providing more functionality and features to API consumers.

Q: What are some common use cases for a more explicit split between resources and public resources?

A: Some common use cases for a more explicit split between resources and public resources include:

  • API consumers: API consumers can more easily navigate and interact with the data, making it easier to find and access the information they need.
  • API developers: API developers can more easily add new properties to each type of resource, making it easier to grow and evolve the API.
  • Data integration: A more explicit split between resources and public resources can make it easier to integrate data from multiple sources, providing a more comprehensive view of the data.

Q: How can a more explicit split between resources and public resources be implemented?

A: A more explicit split between resources and public resources can be implemented by separating the resources and public resources into distinct properties. This can be achieved by adding new properties to each type of resource, such as resource and publicResource, and populating them with the relevant data.

Q: What are some best practices for implementing a more explicit split between resources and public resources?

A: Some best practices for implementing a more explicit split between resources and public resources include:

  • Use clear and consistent naming conventions: Use clear and consistent naming conventions for the properties and data types to make it easier to understand and navigate the API.
  • Document the API: Document the API thoroughly to provide a clear understanding of the properties and data types, and how to use them.
  • Test the API: Test the API thoroughly to ensure that it is working as expected and that the more explicit split between resources and public resources is not causing any issues.

Q: What are some common challenges associated with implementing a more explicit split between resources and public resources?

A: Some common challenges associated with implementing a more explicit split between resources and public resources include:

  • Data consistency: Ensuring that the data is consistent across the different properties and data types can be challenging.
  • API complexity: Adding new properties and data types can increase the complexity of the API, making it more difficult to navigate and understand.
  • Data integration: Integrating data from multiple sources can be challenging, especially if the data is not consistent or is not in the same format.

Q: How can the challenges associated with implementing a more explicit split between resources and public resources be overcome?

A: The challenges associated with implementing a more explicit split between resources and public resources can be overcome by:

  • Using clear and consistent naming conventions: Using clear and consistent naming conventions can make it easier to understand and navigate the API.
  • Documenting the API: Documenting the API thoroughly can provide a clear understanding of the properties and data types, and how to use them.
  • Testing the API: Testing the API thoroughly can ensure that it is working as expected and that the more explicit split between resources and public resources is not causing any issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, introducing a more explicit split between resources and public resources can help simplify the API, improve flexibility, and reduce complexity. By separating the resources and public resources into distinct properties, API consumers can more easily navigate and interact with the data, and the API can grow and evolve more easily. While there are some challenges associated with implementing this concept, they can be overcome by using clear and consistent naming conventions, documenting the API, and testing the API thoroughly.