API Contract
The documented inputs outputs behaviors and guarantees consumers can rely on from an API.
Plain English
The agreement between an API and the systems using it.
In context
An API contract includes schemas status behavior compatibility and sometimes performance or reliability expectations.
Example
“The response shape is part of the API contract.”
When you'll hear this
- API design
- integration
- code review
Common misunderstanding
An implementation detail is not part of the contract unless consumers can rely on it.
Also known as
interface contract
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-25
