I’m curious about the logic behind including version numbers directly in API URLs. I implemented this approach years ago, and now I’m running into some practical issues. My original API is hosted at a specific server location, and I want to create a completely new version using different technology and infrastructure. However, since the version is part of the path structure, I’m finding it challenging to migrate smoothly. Should API versioning in URLs only be used when you plan to keep everything on the same platform? It feels like my options are limited to either using a completely different subdomain or setting up complex routing rules.
Main reason is convenience and transparency. Devs can see exactly which version they’re hitting without checking headers or configs. Your migration pain is totally valid tho - I’ve seen teams get stuck with this when scaling. Consider using a CDN or proxy layer for routing behind the scenes. Keeps the URL structure clients expect while givin you backend flexibility.
URL versioning is all about client predictability and clear contracts. When you put the version in the path, clients know exactly what API spec they’re dealing with - no guessing about behavior changes. But yeah, the trade-off you’ve hit is real. It locks your API contract to your infrastructure choices pretty tightly. I ran into the same thing migrating from monolithic to microservices. What saved me was URL rewriting at the load balancer during transition. Route /api/v1 to your old infrastructure and /api/v2 to the new system. You keep the versioning benefits but get deployment flexibility back. The trick is planning infrastructure changes around your versioning strategy instead of letting versioning control your deployment options.
URL versioning became popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness with caching. However, as you’ve discovered, it does tie your API structure to your deployment strategy, making transitions difficult. Many teams have opted for header-based versioning for its flexibility, allowing different versions to coexist on distinct infrastructures without disrupting existing clients. In your current case, consider implementing a reverse proxy or API gateway. This may help maintain consistent URLs while directing versioned requests to the appropriate backend systems, thus preserving backward compatibility and allowing for the infrastructure changes you require.