Secure API Design Patterns: A Developer's Guide

Building Secure APIs

APIs are the backbone of modern applications, but they're also prime targets for attackers. This guide covers essential security patterns.

Authentication Patterns

JWT Best Practices

API Key Management

Authorization Patterns

RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)

const checkPermission = (user: User, resource: string, action: string) => {

const permissions = rolePermissions[user.role];

return permissions?.includes(`${resource}:${action}`) ?? false;

};

ABAC (Attribute-Based Access Control)

More granular than RBAC, considering user attributes, resource attributes, and environmental conditions.

Rate Limiting

Implement multi-tier rate limiting:

Input Validation

Always validate and sanitize input at the API boundary. Use schema validation libraries like Zod or Joi.

Conclusion

Security is not a feature—it's a requirement. Build these patterns into your API from day one.