Frequently asked questions about AI API development
(01)REST or GraphQL — which is better for AI APIs?
For most AI applications we recommend REST with streaming via server-sent events. REST is easier to implement, better suited to caching and supported by every client library. GraphQL makes sense when clients need to combine different AI results flexibly in one request, for example in dashboards. We often combine both: REST for actions, GraphQL for queries.
(02)How do you implement streaming for AI responses?
We use server-sent events, for example via the Vercel AI SDK. The API streams tokens in real time as soon as the model generates them, so users see the answer immediately. Client libraries for JavaScript, Python and Go make integration easy. For batch scenarios we alternatively offer asynchronous processing with webhooks and status feedback.
(03)How do you protect the API from misuse?
With multi-layered protection: API key authentication for identification, rate limiting per key, endpoint and IP, request signing against tampering, input validation against prompt injection and automatic anomaly detection for unusual usage patterns. On top of that we use content filters against misuse of AI and budget limits against unexpected costs.
(04)Can you add AI capabilities to existing APIs?
Yes, we extend existing APIs with AI endpoints without affecting existing functionality. The new endpoints use the same authentication and follow the same conventions as your current API. Your clients only integrate the new endpoints, with no changes to the existing integration. If needed, we also encapsulate AI functions as a separate microservice.
(05)What availability and response times are realistic for AI APIs?
We define availability, response times and incident response times as target values per project and make them visible through monitoring. Typical goals are a short time to first token for streaming requests and a high-availability architecture with fallback to alternative models, alerting and logging. Maintenance and further development by agreement.
(06)How do you handle API versioning?
We use URL-based versioning (v1, v2) with an appropriate transition period in which old versions keep running in parallel. Breaking changes only come with new major versions, while smaller changes remain backward-compatible. Deprecation notices in API responses inform clients early about planned changes, so your integrations can migrate in a planned way.
(07)What does it cost to develop an AI API?
Costs depend on the number of endpoints, the integrations, the security requirements and the expected volume; ongoing API costs of the model providers depend on the model and volume. Model routing and caching reduce these costs. We quote the development after a short scoping phase: fixed price after scoping, proposal within 48 hours.
(08)Do you also deliver client SDKs for the API?
Yes, we generate client SDKs from the OpenAPI specification, for example for TypeScript, Python, Go or Ruby. The SDKs include streaming support, retry logic, error handling and type safety. We also deliver Postman collections and cURL examples for quick prototyping, so your team and your partners can use the API without a long learning curve.