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When evolving APIs, maintain backward compatibility to avoid breaking client code. Consider these guidelines:

  1. Add overloaded methods instead of modifying signatures: When adding parameters, create a new method rather than changing an existing one.
// AVOID: Breaking change by modifying existing method
- public DockerConfiguration withHost(String address, boolean secure, String certificatePath) {
+ public DockerConfiguration withHost(String address, boolean secure, String certificatePath, Integer socketTimeout) {

// PREFER: Add an overloaded method
public DockerConfiguration withHost(String address, boolean secure, String certificatePath) {
    return withHost(address, secure, certificatePath, null);
}

public DockerConfiguration withHost(String address, boolean secure, String certificatePath, Integer socketTimeout) {
    // Implementation
}
  1. Use more general types when specializing parameters: When changing parameter types, prefer changes that won’t break existing code:
// AVOID: Breaking change by narrowing type
- protected Function<String, String> getDefaultValueResolver(Environment environment) {
+ protected UnaryOperator<String> getDefaultValueResolver(Environment environment) {

// PREFER: Keep compatible types or provide adaptation layer
protected Function<String, String> getDefaultValueResolver(Environment environment) {
    // Implementation
}

  1. For functional interfaces, avoid changing the abstract method signature: This preserves lambda compatibility.

  2. When breaking changes are unavoidable:
  3. Expand types to be more inclusive rather than restrictive: Consider future use cases when designing parameter types:
// AVOID: Restrictive single value
private String audience;

// PREFER: More flexible collection that handles current and future cases
private List<String> audiences;

These practices help maintain a stable API contract while allowing your library to evolve.