Learn to Build a .NET SDK with OpenAPI and NSwag

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Building a Minimal API with .NET seven
3. Generating the API Specification with Open API and Swagger
4. Protecting Sensitive Endpoints
5. Using the API Specification to Generate an SDK Client with NSwag
6. Creating the Grocery SDK Project
7. Testing the SDK
8. Reviewing Other Generators for SDK Support in Multiple Languages
9. Conclusion

Building a Modern Web API with .NET and Open API

In this article, we will walk You through the process of building a modern web API using .NET and leveraging the latest features available. We will also Show you how to generate an SDK library compatible with multiple development versions and other languages using open API and NSwag. You don't need to be an expert in .NET to follow along; we will explain each step in Detail. So let's get started!

1. Introduction

In this section, we will provide an overview of the topic and explain why building a modern web API is important. We will also introduce the tools and technologies we will be using throughout the article.

2. Building a Minimal API with .NET seven

In this section, we will start by building a minimal API using .NET seven. We will guide you step by step on how to set up the project, configure the endpoints, and implement basic CRUD operations. By the end of this section, we will have a functioning API that can manage a grocery list.

3. Generating the API Specification with Open API and Swagger

In this section, we will explore the power of open API and the Swagger tool. We will show you how to generate the API specification automatically using the annotations in your code. You will learn how to document your endpoints, define the data models, and specify the possible responses. By the end of this section, you will have a detailed API specification that describes your API's capabilities.

4. Protecting Sensitive Endpoints

In this section, we will focus on protecting sensitive endpoints in your API. We will demonstrate how to use JWT Bearer authentication to secure your API and ensure that only authorized users can access certain endpoints. You will learn how to configure authentication in your project and how to set up authorization rules for specific endpoints.

5. Using the API Specification to Generate an SDK Client with NSwag

In this section, we will show you how to use the API specification generated by Open API and Swagger to generate a client SDK using the NSwag tool. We will guide you step by step on how to configure NSwag, choose the target language, and generate the SDK client. By the end of this section, you will have a fully functional SDK client that can Interact with your API.

6. Creating the Grocery SDK Project

In this section, we will Create a separate project for the grocery SDK using the client generated by NSwag. We will show you how to set up the project, configure the dependencies, and implement the necessary code to use the SDK client. By the end of this section, you will have a standalone SDK project that can be used by other developers to integrate your API into their applications.

7. Testing the SDK

In this section, we will guide you through the process of testing the SDK. We will show you how to create a console application that uses the SDK to interact with the API. You will learn how to make API calls, handle the responses, and perform basic CRUD operations using the SDK. By the end of this section, you will have a working console application that demonstrates the functionality of the SDK.

8. Reviewing Other Generators for SDK Support in Multiple Languages

In this section, we will explore other tools and generators that can be used to generate SDKs in multiple languages. We will discuss the benefits and limitations of each tool and provide recommendations for choosing the right one for your project. By the end of this section, you will have a clear understanding of the options available for expanding SDK support in different programming languages.

9. Conclusion

In this final section, we will summarize the key points covered in the article and provide some concluding thoughts. We will also provide a link to the repository where you can find all the projects and resources Mentioned in the article. We hope you have enjoyed this Journey of building a modern web API with .NET and open API!

FAQ

Q: Is .NET seven required to follow this tutorial?

A: Yes, we recommend using .NET seven or a newer version for the best experience. However, most of the concepts and techniques discussed in this tutorial can be applied to earlier versions of .NET as well.

Q: Can I use a different authentication method instead of JWT Bearer?

A: Yes, you can use other authentication methods supported by .NET, such as OAuth or API keys. The process of securing your API may vary depending on the authentication method you choose, but the principles and concepts remain the same.

Q: Can I generate SDKs in languages other than C#?

A: Yes, you can use tools like NSwag, Swagger CodeGen, or OpenAPI Generator to generate SDKs in multiple programming languages. These tools provide templates and configurations to generate SDKs in languages such as Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, and more.

Q: Is open API specification compatible with other API documentation tools?

A: Yes, the open API specification is a widely adopted standard for documenting HTTP APIs. Most API documentation tools, such as Swagger UI or Redoc, support the open API specification format and can automatically generate interactive API documentation Based on the specification.