Code must prove itself fast, or it dies

Code must prove itself fast, or it dies. A Proof of Concept REST API does that—nothing more, nothing less. It shows the core features, the architecture, and the data flow without wasting weeks on polish.

A POC REST API is a small, runnable application built to validate an idea. It answers questions: Can this endpoint deliver the needed data? Does the authentication hold up? Is the schema sane? By stripping down to essentials—HTTP methods, route definitions, and JSON responses—you see if the plan will work before committing to full-scale development.

Design starts with clear routes. Each endpoint should map directly to a resource. GET retrieves, POST creates, PUT updates, DELETE removes. Keep payloads simple for now. Skip advanced filtering or pagination until the core request-response cycle is solid.

Use a lightweight framework such as Express for Node.js, Flask for Python, or Spring Boot for Java. These let you spin up routes in minutes. Add minimal middleware—basic logging, CORS handling, and simple error responses. Leave complex integrations out until the concept is proven.

Data handling can be mock-based in a POC. Use in-memory arrays, fixtures, or SQLite for rapid iteration. This avoids large migrations and external DB setup. If the concept requires external API calls, mock them with predictable static responses first.

Testing must be part of the proof. Implement basic unit tests for each route. Run them automatically to catch regressions even in a stripped-down project. The goal is executable validation, not just a whiteboard diagram.

Once the POC REST API meets its proof goals—performance within target, correct responses, working authentication—you can decide to scale, refactor, or abandon. Speed is the advantage here. You spent hours or days, not weeks, and have real evidence for the next step.

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