Establish consistent patterns for API integrations by following these guidelines:
Document API endpoint usage specifically:
Clearly specify which components use each endpoint
Include expected request/response formats
Document any authentication requirements
Standardize request handling:
```ruby
Good - Clear request configuration
def api_request(url_options)
type = if (data = url_options[:data].presence)
:data
elsif (data = url_options[:json].presence)
:json
end
case data
when Hash
if type == :json
[”–#{type}”, JSON.generate(data)]
else
[”–#{type}”, URI.encode_www_form(data)]
end
end
end
```
Handle API response evolution:
Document field deprecations clearly
Consider backwards compatibility needs
Provide migration paths for breaking changes
Implement consistent error handling:
Handle API-specific errors explicitly
Provide meaningful error messages
Include fallback behaviors where appropriate
This standardization ensures maintainable and reliable API integrations while promoting clear documentation and consistent implementation patterns across the codebase.
