API Lifecycle Management.
Manage the full API lifecycle: versioning, deprecation, and migration.
APIs evolve. Lifecycle management ensures changes don't break existing integrations while enabling progress. Key stages: active development, stable, deprecated, and sunset.
Version strategy: URL path versioning (/v1/, /v2/) is explicit and cacheable; header versioning (Accept: application/vnd.api+json;version=2) is cleaner but less visible.
Deprecation requires communication and timeline. Announce deprecation with sunset date, provide migration guide, monitor deprecated endpoint usage, and support clients through transition.
ACTIVE
Current Version
Recommended for new integrations. Receives new features and bug fixes.
DEPRECATED
Legacy Support
Still functional but discouraged. Security fixes only. Migration recommended.
SUNSET
End of Life
No longer available. Requests return 410 Gone with migration information.