What does an API Designer do?

An API Designer is fundamentally responsible for understanding and translating business needs into functional API design. This role involves close collaboration with stakeholders to gather requirements, which includes not only determining the technical specifications needed for the API but also understanding how the API will interact with other systems and serve the end-users. By discussing business requirements directly with stakeholders, the API Designer ensures that the API aligns with the strategic goals of the business and meets user needs effectively. This process is crucial in shaping the API from its conceptual phase through to its implementation, as it helps ensure that the developed API is relevant and valued.

Other options, while important aspects of API development, fall under different roles. For example, creating unit tests for APIs is typically handled by QA engineers or developers during the development phase, while implementing security measures is often the responsibility of an API security administrator. Similarly, monitoring API performance is usually managed by operations teams or dedicated performance engineers, not by the designer. Thus, the focus of an API Designer on engaging with stakeholders to clarify and refine business requirements is what truly defines their role.