Programming APIs with C# and .NET

Master API design and deployment with C# and .NET, creating scalable, secure, and high-performance APIs for real-world applications

Key Features

• Learn API design principles and architecture for high-performance applications
• Develop robust APIs using best practices for security, scalability, and maintainability
• Implement both traditional and minimal APIs with real-world scenarios
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

APIs are at the heart of modern software development, enabling seamless communication between applications. In the C# and .NET ecosystem, mastering API development is key to building scalable, reliable systems that meet both client and enterprise needs.

Written by C# and .NET experts Jesse Liberty and Joseph Dluzen, this book draws on their extensive experience as hands-on programmers to equip you with the tools, techniques, and best practices for creating powerful APIs.

Starting with API fundamentals, it covers everything you need to design, build, and consume APIs using .NET technologies such as ASP.NET Core, and explores both controller and Function API implementations. You'll integrate essential tools such as Postman for testing to streamline your development workflow.

Through practical examples and exercises, the book guides you from database creation to deploying APIs on Azure. By the end of this book, you’ll have gained real-world skills to develop secure, high-performance APIs that scale with your applications for both personal projects and enterprise-level systems.

What you will learn

• Understand core API concepts and how to apply them in .NET projects
• Design RESTful APIs with a focus on scalability
• Build APIs with ASP.NET Core
• Explore alternative options for API development using Azure Functions, including stateful workflows with Durable Functions
• Integrate databases into API projects, ensuring efficient data flow
• Implement security measures such as authentication and authorization
• Deploy APIs to Azure and learn the essentials of cloud integration

Who this book is for

This book is for .NET developers, software engineers, and backend developers looking to master API development using C# and ASP.NET Core. It caters to those with a basic understanding of C# and familiarity with the .NET ecosystem. Even though no prior experience with API frameworks is required, knowledge of ASP.NET Core will be helpful.

Table of Contents

1. Getting Started
2. What We'll Build
3. Implementing with REST
4. Documentation with Swagger
5. Data Validation
6. Azure Functions
7. Azure Durable Functions
8. Advanced Topics
9. Authentication and Authorization
10. Deploying to Azure
11. What's Next?

Jesse Liberty specializes in C#, Git, and building world-class APIs. He hosts the popular Yet Another Podcast and is the author of more than two dozen best-selling programming books. Jesse was a Technical Evangelist for Microsoft, Distinguished Software Engineer at AT&T; Software Architect for PBS, and Vice President of Information Technology at Citibank. He was also on the teaching staff at Brandeis University. Jesse has been a Microsoft MVP for 13 years. Jesse is a recognized expert and has spoken at conferences worldwide.

Joseph Dluzen has been working in C# and associated frameworks for almost 20 years. He is currently in a software architecture role for one of the world's largest agricultural machine manufacturers. Formerly a senior consultant at Accenture, he has experience in a wide range of industries, including government identity, autonomous vehicle tooling, and enterprise auction management systems.