The Role of PHP Developers in API Development
PHP developers play a crucial role in application programming interface (API) development. APIs allow two (or more) software programs or components to communicate with each other using a set of protocols and definitions. For example, a weather app will communicate with the weather bureaus’ software, which updates regularly to provide up-to-date weather reports on your mobile phone.
A PHP developer ensures that the backend solutions (in the example, the weather bureaus’ software) integrate seamlessly with the front-end application—in this case, the weather app. Developers achieve this integration by using best practice API design principles, implementing stringent security measures, and using robust implementation strategies.
There are different approaches to API design, and because PHP is such a versatile and scalable coding language, developers can choose which option best suits the solution they are working on.
3 Popular Approaches to API Design
Three of the more popular API design approaches are REST, GraphQL, and SOAP. Each offers its own unique benefits and features and is used to fulfil specific criteria.
REST API
A REST API, also called a RESTful API or RESTful web API, is an API that follows the design principles of the REST (representational state transfer) software architectural style. This style was designed to guide the design and development of architecture for the web. It can handle multiple formats of data and uses HTTP requests to access and use this data.
Many of the world’s biggest sites use REST APIs to integrate with third-party data. Uber, for example, uses them to obtain maps, coordinate cars, and calculate fares.
GraphQL
Initially created by Facebook to control its newsfeed in native mobile apps, GraphQL powers all of the social media giant’s apps across Android, iOS, and web browsers. It’s now available as an open-source data query and manipulation language for APIs.
However, unlike REST, GraphQL APIs have a single endpoint for all queries. PHP developers must create resolvers that handle these queries, allowing clients to request exactly the data they need. This makes it ideal for large, complex, and interrelated data sources such as news feeds.
SOAP
SOAP stands for Simple Object Access Protocol. It uses XML for message format and can operate over HTTP, SMTP, and more. It allows for applications to create, update, delete, and interact with records such as user passwords, accounts, and custom objects.
SOAP is more secure than REST and GraphQL as it uses encryption to protect the transfer of data. It is, therefore, often used in ecommerce sites, banking apps, and any platform that stores banking or confidential information.
A Crucial Component of Web & App Design
PHP developers are pivotal in creating APIs that provide seamless backend integration with front-end applications. REST and GraphQL APIs are ideal for most apps that access third-party data. However, SOAP is the better choice when security is paramount. A PHP developer will choose the API that works best for a project to create a scalable, easy to maintain, and secure solution that enhances the user experience.
