APIs Versioning

API versioning is essential for managing changes without breaking existing client applications. The guide covers two main strategies: additive changes (backward-compatible modifications) and explicit versioning (maintaining multiple API versions simultaneously). Implementation methods include URL path versioning, custom headers, and query parameters, with URL path being most common. Semantic versioning (Major.Minor.Patch) provides clear communication about change types. Proper lifecycle management involves setting deprecation timelines and using tools like OpenAPI specification and API gateways to automate version management and detect breaking changes.