Software architecture
Why document API contracts before integration?
A contract specifies expected data, responses and failures. Without explicit version, permission and recovery rules, an integration may work in a demonstration and become fragile in production.
An agreement between systems
A contract specifies expected data, responses and failures. Without explicit version, permission and recovery rules, an integration may work in a demonstration and become fragile in production.
Define decision criteria
Write down what must be checked before starting: target users, volumes, necessary data and access constraints. Distinguish known facts from what still needs testing. An unverified assumption should remain visible in planning and budgeting.
Prepare a useful first step
- Describe a representative workflow and its expected outcome.
- Identify required systems and stakeholders.
- Prepare suitable sample data for a demonstration.
- Set acceptance criteria and stopping conditions.
Plan continuity during scoping
The first release does not settle operational questions. Specify who monitors failures, who manages access and how changes are approved. Brief, current documentation helps teams take over without depending on informal knowledge.