Retailer API release planning and lifecycle

Addition of New Endpoints: Introducing new endpoints to extend functionality. These additions should not alter the behavior of existing endpoints.

Parameter Extensions: Adding optional parameters to existing endpoints to enhance functionality without changing existing behavior.

Performance Improvements: Modifications aimed at increasing the efficiency and speed of the API, such as optimizing query handling or enhancing caching mechanisms.

Security Enhancements: Implementing non-breaking security updates, like strengthening encryption or improving token validation, to enhance API security without affecting existing usage.

Data Format Extensions: Extending existing data structures with new, optional fields in a backward-compatible manner.

Documentation Updates: Providing more detailed documentation, including updated examples, best practices, and clearer API descriptions.

Removal of Endpoints or Parameters: Deleting or permanently deprecating any existing endpoint or parameter is not allowed in minor updates.

Changes in Existing Behavior: Modifying the existing behavior or output of current endpoints in a way that could break backward compatibility.

Mandatory Parameter Additions: Introducing new mandatory parameters to existing endpoints, as this could disrupt current integrations.

Data Format Restrictions: Removing fields or changing existing data structures in a way that is not backward compatible.

Significant Performance Overhauls: Making changes that could significantly alter the expected performance characteristics of the API, such as rate limiting or response time behaviors.

Introduction of Breaking Changes: Major updates can include changes that break backward compatibility, such as altering the behavior of existing endpoints or changing response formats.

Removal of Deprecated Features: Permanently removing endpoints, parameters, or features that were deprecated in previous versions.

Major Security Overhauls: Implementing significant security improvements that may require changes in how clients interact with the API, like new authentication mechanisms.

Architectural Changes: Redesigning underlying API architecture for improved scalability, reliability, and performance, which may affect endpoint structures or request/response patterns.

Mandatory Parameter Changes: Introducing new mandatory parameters or modifying existing ones in a way that changes the API contract.

Data Format Overhauls: Major changes to data structures, such as altering existing fields or introducing new mandatory fields, to better meet evolving data requirements.

Complete API Rebranding: Changing the fundamental identity or core purpose of the API, which would be beyond the scope of a version update and more akin to launching a new product.

Non-Transparent Changes: Making significant alterations without providing clear, comprehensive documentation and migration tools to aid users in adapting to the changes.

Ignoring Deprecated Feature Usage: Removing features that are heavily used without a prior deprecation phase and without providing alternatives or migration paths.