What is an API versioning strategy?

An API versioning strategy is crucial for managing the evolution of an API while ensuring that existing consumers can continue to operate without disruption. The core concept revolves around the ability to make changes or introduce new features to an API while maintaining backward compatibility. This means that when an API undergoes updates, consumers that rely on a previous version can still function correctly with minimal changes on their end.

Implementing a proper versioning strategy allows developers to introduce improvements, fix bugs, or make significant changes to the API's structure, while at the same time, providing a stable interface for users who may not be ready or able to adapt to the newest version immediately. This management of changes without breaking existing implementations is essential in any API ecosystem where diverse clients may interact with the service.

The other options do not fully encapsulate the core principle of versioning. For instance, expanding capabilities or delaying deprecation may be part of the overarching strategy, but they do not address the fundamental need for backward compatibility that characterizes effective API versioning. Similarly, enhancing performance is a separate aspect of API design and management that does not relate specifically to the versioning strategy.