RAML
RAML (RESTful API Modeling Language) is an open specification for defining REST APIs. It provides a structured and easy way to describe REST APIs by modeling concepts like resources, methods, parameters, headers, and responses. RAML enables API developers to manage the entire API
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api
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specification
RAML (RESTful API Modeling Language)
RAML (RESTful API Modeling Language) is an open specification for defining REST APIs, providing a structured and easy way to describe REST APIs by modeling concepts like resources, methods, parameters, headers, and responses.
What is RAML?
RAML (RESTful API Modeling Language) is an open specification for defining REST APIs. It provides a human- and machine-readable syntax for describing RESTful APIs.
Some key benefits of using RAML include:
- Standardized way to describe REST APIs
- Reusable structures and patterns
- Increased productivity in API design
- Automatic documentation generation
- Simplifies API collaboration and governance
RAML describes concepts like:
- Resources - the entities exposed by the API
- Methods - the operations that can be performed on those resources
- Parameters - details like headers, query parameters etc.
- Responses - structure of expected responses
- Security - authentication and authorization
There are several tools that support RAML, which allow creating API specifications visually, mocking servers, testing APIs, generating documentation, and more.
Overall, RAML provides a vendor-neutral way to manage the entire API lifecycle, improving productivity and collaboration.
RAML Features
Features
- Allows defining and modeling RESTful APIs through easy to read YAML or JSON
- Supports documenting parameters, headers, responses, schemas, traits, resource types and more
- Includes a mock server to test APIs without implementation
- Enables API reuse, modularity and consistency
- Integrates with popular API tools like API managers, testing tools, documentation generators
- Open source specification with large community support
Pricing
- Open Source
- Free
Pros
Improves productivity by reducing time to design APIs
Enables collaboration by providing a canonical design spec
Facilitates API discoverability and understanding
Promotes API reuse and consistency
Simplifies API mocking and testing
Allows managing API lifecycle in a standardized way
Cons
Additional learning curve for YAML syntax
Limited adoption compared to OpenAPI/Swagger
Less active open source community than OpenAPI
Fewer available tools integrations and extensions
Not as feature rich as OpenAPI for some advanced use cases
Official Links
The Best RAML Alternatives
Top Development and Api Development and other similar apps like RAML
Swagger.io
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