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Stop Writing Boring CRUD: Smarter Patterns for API Development
Most APIs are stuck in a rut — Create, Read, Update, Delete, repeat. But in a world of composable frontends, real-time experiences, and scaling microservices, basic CRUD just doesn’t cut it.
This article dives into practical patterns that go beyond boilerplate and actually help you build better software.
Why CRUD Isn’t Enough Anymore
CRUD works for scaffolding and admin panels. But once your app evolves:
- You start cramming business logic into generic
PUTorPATCHendpoints. - Frontends need specific shapes of data, not entire resource dumps.
- Performance and usability suffer under a one-size-fits-all model.
If you’ve ever seen a 300-line updateUser() function, you know what I mean.
Embrace Task-Oriented APIs
Instead of thinking in terms of database records, think in terms of actions. Examples:
- Bad:
PATCH /invoice/:id - Better:
POST /invoice/:id/send
Why?
- It’s explicit — there’s no confusion about what’s happening.
- It matches what the user is doing.
- It’s easier to document, test, and reuse.
Task-based APIs make your services more intention-driven and extensible.
Use Query Models for Reads
Stop trying to make your write model power every read.
Instead, add purpose-built query endpoints like:
GET /dashboardGET /shipment-trendsGET /user/:id/profile-card
These endpoints return exactly the data your UI needs — nothing more, nothing less.
It simplifies frontend logic and keeps your backend performant and maintainable.
Separate Write Commands from Side Effects
Good APIs respond quickly.
- Don’t make users wait for a PDF to generate, an email to send, or a webhook to fire.
- Instead: process those in the background and return immediately.
Use a queue or background job worker to handle async side effects cleanly.
Example:
POST /invoice/:id/send → 202 Accepted
Then the invoice is sent in a background process, and you give users a real-time progress indicator or email confirmation.
Developer Checklist: Replace CRUD with Purposeful Patterns
| Situation | Traditional | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Send an invoice | PATCH /invoice/:id |
POST /invoice/:id/send |
| Read dashboard data | GET /users + logic |
GET /dashboard |
| File upload | POST /file (sync) |
POST /file → enqueue job |
Takeaway:
Don’t settle for generic CRUD — design APIs that actually match what your app does, not just what your database stores.
SEO Tags: API design patterns, beyond CRUD, modern web development
Meta Description:
Go beyond boring CRUD endpoints with modern API patterns that are easier to use, test, and scale. Learn practical alternatives developers actually use.
LinkedIn Blurb (280 chars):
Still writing plain CRUD APIs? It’s time to level up. Build APIs that match what your app does, not just what your DB stores. Practical patterns that scale, simplify, and make your UI devs love you.
