How to Deal With Deprecated REST APIs

Deprecated REST APIs may require developers to migrate to a newer, recommended API. Although troublesome, it may bring new features to the application, such as improved security and features. Understand how to handle deprecated REST APIs, so they will never be a problem in the first place!

Steven Ang Cheong Seng

Steven Ang Cheong Seng

15 May 2025

How to Deal With Deprecated REST APIs

In the ever-evolving world of application programming interfaces (APIs), encountering deprecated REST APIs is a common occurrence. While it might raise concerns about the functionality of your code, it also presents an opportunity to upgrade and leverage the latest features.

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Is the API you implemented in your past projects getting deprecated earlier than you expected? Fortunately, you can now solve the problem of APIs that are phasing out by yourself!

Introducing Apidog, an all-in-one API development platform that facilitates all processes regarding the entire API lifecycle. Developers can personalize APIs to their heart's desire.

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REAL API Design-first Development Platform. Design. Debug. Test. Document. Mock. Build APIs Faster & Together.
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This article serves as your guide to navigating deprecated REST APIs. We'll delve into understanding deprecation, explore strategies for transitioning smoothly, and equip you with the knowledge to ensure your applications remain functional and secure.

What does REST API Deprecation Mean?

To fully understand the term "REST API Deprecation", we need to tear apart the term. We can split it into two separate terms:

  1. REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface): REST APIs are a type of API that adheres specifically to the REST architectural principles. REST principles promote a standardized approach to how applications communicate with one another over the Internet.

    REST APIs utilize HTTP verbs (known as HTTP methods) like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE for interacting with resources provided by the API.
  2. Deprecation: Deprecation refers to the moment when the provider eventually removes an API endpoint or functionality.

    Deprecation will not happen abruptly; the API provider will usually inform all API consumers in advance, to allow them to migrate their applications to the new, recommended approach.

Why do REST APIs Deprecate?

There are various reasons why a REST API provider may choose to deprecate a REST API.

Security Concerns:

Technical Limitations:

Strategic Shifts:

Through understanding these reasons, developers can anticipate the impact of deprecation on their applications. By pinpointing the specific technical limitations or security concerns being addressed, they can make informed decisions about migration strategies and leverage the opportunity to enhance their applications with the latest advancements in the API world.

What Happens If a Deprecated REST API is Ignored?

Developers might be tempted by the "Don't fix what's not broken" mentality, however, there are significant consequences for applications that retain deprecated REST APIs, such as:

Security Vulnerabilities:

Functionality Breakdowns:

Maintenance Challenges:

Overall Impact of Deprecated REST APIs

The consequences of deprecated REST APIs can therefore cause results like:

Now that you understand the negative impacts of keeping deprecated REST APIs, always prepare to migrate to a better API - it will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

What to Do When a REST API is Deprecated?

You may feel like the world is collapsing on you. Having to rewrite all the code to accommodate for the new API just makes you want to avoid it altogether. However, take a look at this guide to help you transition to your new REST API slow but surely!

1. Understand the Deprecation Notice:

2. Evaluate Alternatives:

3. Develop a Migration Plan:

4. Communication and Monitoring:

5. Embrace Continuous Improvement:

Why Should You Avoid Deprecated APIs?
An API (application programming interface) is considered deprecated when it’s still functional but discouraged for new development. Developers should migrate to a newer, recommended alternative to avoid potential security issues or future removal.

Apidog - Replace Deprecated REST APIs by Making Your Own

REST API deprecation is no longer a giant hurdle in transitioning. As most times the challenging part about transitioning form one REST API to another is finding a good replacement. It is very hard to find two APIs that fully satisfy your requirements.

apidog interface

So instead of wasting so much time looking for another replacement, why not create your very own API? Introducing to you an API development tool that stands out from the rest: Apidog.

Apidog An integrated platform for API design, debugging, development, mock, and testing
REAL API Design-first Development Platform. Design. Debug. Test. Document. Mock. Build APIs Faster & Together.

Building Your New REST API With Apidog

With Apidog, you can create APIs by yourself. It might even save you time - without having to endlessly search the Internet to find "the one true" answer, you can just create it by yourself.

new api apidog

Begin by pressing the New API button, as shown in the image above.

add details new api apidog

Next, you can select many of the API's characteristics. On this page, you can:

To provide some assistance in creating APIs in case this is your first time creating one, you may consider reading these articles.

REST API URL - Best Practices and Examples
REST API URLs have an optimal and standardized structure. Most developers mutually agree to conform to the standard in order to increase predictability and familiarity to REST API URLs, allowing them to work around them more efficiently.
Tutorial: How to Pass Multiple Parameters in REST API URLs?
Two commonly seen parameter types are widely used in modern websites. Although they slightly differ based on their functions, parameters help developers identify specific resources found within a collection or system.

Testing to See if Your REST API is Responsive

Once you have finalized all the basic requirements of your REST API, you can try to make a request by clicking Send. You should then receive a response on the bottom portion of the Apidog window, as shown in the image above.

Conclusion

In conclusion, encountering deprecated REST APIs is an inevitable part of application development. However, by understanding the reasons behind deprecation and the potential consequences of ignoring it, you can approach the transition process strategically.

By following a well-defined migration plan that prioritizes critical functionalities and leverages the recommended alternatives, you can ensure a smooth transition and reap the benefits of improved security, enhanced features, and a future-proof codebase.

Remember, deprecation presents an opportunity to modernize your application and stay aligned with the latest advancements in the API landscape. Embrace the change and use it to propel your application forward.

If you feel that you want to take matters into your own hands, do not wait any longer, and start creating your APIs with Apidog! With Apidog, you can choose to create your own APIs from scratch, or modify existing APIs. Get as creative and innovative as you can with Apidog!

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