What techniques are most effective for validating data input from an API?
When you need to ensure that data sent to an API is valid, there are certain techniques that can help guarantee that the data input is consistent. In order to benefit from a seamless experience, all data exchanged between applications must be verified and external data input must be validated.
Here are several techniques that can be used to validate data inputs from an API:
- Data Validation Frameworks. Data validation frameworks are powerful libraries which facilitate the validation of API data inputs. These frameworks, which may include Velocity Tool, Struts2, and AngularJS, are designed to allow developers to quickly illustrate the business rules governing inputs.
- Data Validaton Libraries. Data validation libraries are collections of functions to validate an API’s data input. These libraries may contain public and private methods to facilitate and expedite the data validation process.
- Mixin Validation Logic. Mixin validation logic should also be used when validating data input from an API. Mixin validation logic is the process of encapsulating the validation logic within a single custom method, within the context of the specific API.
- Data Annotation. Data annotations are attributes that can be used to apply validation logic to API inputs. When data annotations are used, validation logic is enforced upon input as soon as it is submitted.
- Leverage Visual Studio. Leveraging Visual Studio allows developers to declare the API inputs within the context of the business constraints. This allows developers to perform data input validations more efficiently.
By employing the right technique, data input validation from API’s can ensure that all data exchanged between applications is properly validated. It is important to consider the type of data input validation that is required in order to get the most out of the API data inputs.