API versioning strategies

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API versioning manages evolution while supporting existing clients. URI versioning uses paths—/api/v1/users, /api/v2/users. Header versioning employs custom headers—X-API-Version: 2. Content negotiation uses Accept headers—application/vnd.myapi.v2+json. Query parameter versioning—/api/users?version=2. I prefer URI versioning for simplicity and visibility. Versioning enables breaking changes without disrupting clients. Deprecation warnings guide migrations. Version-specific controllers or routing handle differences. Shared logic avoids duplication. Documentation clearly indicates version differences. Proper versioning strategy balances backward compatibility with forward progress. It's essential for public APIs and long-lived applications.