API versioning is super important for keeping things running smoothly when you update an API. It makes sure that existing clients can keep using the API without any hiccups, even if there are changes or new features added.

There are a few ways to version APIs, like URL versioning, header versioning, and query parameter versioning. For example:

• URL Versioning: https://api.yourdomain.com/v1/endpoint
• Header Versioning: Add a custom header like API-Version: v1
• Query Parameter Versioning: https://api.yourdomain.com/endpoint?version=v1

Pick the strategy that works best for your API and its users.

1. Duplicate API:

• Go to the API endpoint you want to version.
• Duplicate the endpoint and rename it to include the version number, like v1_get_users for the first version.

1. Update Routes:

• Change the new endpoint's route to include the version number, like /v1/users.
• This way, clients have to specify the API version in their requests.

1. Modify Logic:

• Adjust the logic as needed for the new version.
• For example, if the new version has extra fields or different data structures.

1. Test Thoroughly:

• Test the new version a lot to make sure it works as expected and doesn't break any backward compatibility.

1. Set a Deprecation Policy:

• Clearly communicate how long old versions will be supported before they are deprecated.
• This can be included in the API documentation or announced via communication channels.

1. Use Warning Headers:

• Add warnings to responses from deprecated versions to notify clients about the pending deprecation.
• For example, include headers like X-API-Deprecation-Info to inform about deprecation timelines and upgrade paths.

1. Monitor Usage:

• Use analytics to monitor which versions of the API are in use.
• This helps to understand the impact of deprecation and ensure that most clients have migrated.

• Keep detailed documentation for each version of the API.
• Clearly specify the changes and enhancements made in each version.

• Provide detailed upgrade guides to help clients transition from one version to the next.
• Highlight breaking changes and offer examples of how to modify their integration.

1. API Collections:

• Organize your APIs into collections where each collection represents a distinct version.
• For example, v1_collections and v2_collections.

1. Environment Variables:

• Use environment variables to manage version-specific configurations.
• This helps streamline code management and version control.

1. Consistent Updates:

• Regularly review and update your API to ensure that it continues to meet client needs while preserving backward compatibility.

By following these steps, API versioning and backward compatibility can be effectively managed in Xano, ensuring smooth transitions for clients and maintaining a reliable, scalable API infrastructure.