# API-First Design

Agreeing on the API contract before writing the implementation.

## What is **API-First Design**?

**API-first design** means agreeing on the API contract (often an OpenAPI document) before writing the code, so front-end and back-end teams can work in parallel.

Level: Master · [More REST API terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/rest-api/master)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/api-first-design