21/04/2026
Here's the full breakdown of API types → when to use each one:
𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗔𝗣𝗜
→ Public access, no restrictions
→ Weather data, product catalogs, login systems
𝗦𝗢𝗔𝗣 𝗔𝗣𝗜
→ XML-based, strict, enterprise-grade
→ Banks, insurance claims, government records
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗤𝗟 𝗔𝗣𝗜
→ Fetch exactly what you need, nothing extra
→ Complex data relationships (think: Facebook feed)
𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗣𝗜
→ Backend ↔ Backend / Frontend ↔ Backend
→ Microservices, auth flows, live search
𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗣𝗜
→ Controlled access for trusted partners
→ Affiliate programs, B2B integrations
𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗔 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗣𝗜
→ Secure exchange of sensitive data
→ Health records, financial data, logistics
Quick decision framework:
→ Public access? Open API or REST
→ Complex queries? GraphQL
→ Enterprise/legacy system? SOAP
→ Internal microservices? Backend to Backend
→ Business partners? Partner API
→ Sensitive regulated data? Data Sharing API