> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jen-hsuan-hsieh.gitbook.io/asp-net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jen-hsuan-hsieh.gitbook.io/asp-net/chapter3rest-api-design-development-and-management/33designing-rest-api/331api-value-chain.md).

# 3.3.1.API value chain

* App developer is the most important link in the API value chain
  * Think of **API as a product**
    * Think of what the developers will need

      ![](https://163116165-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4M0G7tIs4o9F9vSrao%2F-M4M0IVB0ax0vs2ocz_r%2F-M4M0Wnsras5pI7sBCGd%2F201803171.jpg?generation=1586302964768578\&alt=media)
* Common sense design principles
  * 1.Un-Ambiguous design
    * Make sure that when you are designing your API it's giving a clear idea on the intent behind that API

      ![](https://163116165-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4M0G7tIs4o9F9vSrao%2F-M4M0IVB0ax0vs2ocz_r%2F-M4M0WnvyrNMt6i-V4kM%2F201803172.jpg?generation=1586302964586583\&alt=media)
  * 2.Design for simplicity
    * Don't confuse your developers

      ![](https://163116165-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4M0G7tIs4o9F9vSrao%2F-M4M0IVB0ax0vs2ocz_r%2F-M4M0WnxhU1bajp33Cdb%2F201803173.jpg?generation=1586302964702088\&alt=media)
  * 3.Be clear
  * 4.Stay consistent