API Developer Weekly
Jan 15, 2026 - Issue #567
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We are back for a new year and a new round of articles. This week, we look at the enterprise GraphQL trends and how the honeymoon may be over. Although, I'm not sure why they got married to begin with anyway... We also look at the latest OpenAPI 3.2 specification and what is new, the risks in letting AI consume your APIs, and examples of great MCP server documentation. We also have a new JSON Schema visualization tool from IOFlux, AuthZEN for fine-grained authorization, and gRPC as a custom transport for MCP. Finally, we look at the recently-released Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), how microservices killed a startup, and API monetization models.
-- Happy Reading!
P.S. Join me and Emmanuel Paraskakis on Monday, January 19th as we discuss how to leverage LLMs to accelerate your API design efforts - all without sacrificing DX, UX, and your design guidelines. This isn't about removing the human, but rather placing AI in the loop of API design with human-led efforts. Think of LLMs as an API design assistant, or even an API coach, that will help you through my step-by-step ADDR process (more at https://addrprocess.com) while leaving you in the driver's seat to ensure it matches your product or platform needs. Or, check out the report here to get started immediately, learn more about how to make it happen, what it looks like, and which LLMs are the best choice.
Featured Articles
GraphQL: the enterprise honeymoon is over
A production-tested take on GraphQL in enterprise systems, why the honeymoon phase fades, and when its complexity outweighs the benefits. [johnjames.blog]
What's New in OpenAPI Specification v3.2.0?
Discover what's new in OpenAPI 3.2.0, including streaming responses, extended HTTP methods, clearer examples, and OAuth device flow updates. by J Simpson [nordicapis.com]
6 Big Risks of Letting AI Make API Requests
Explore six major risks of letting AI agents make API requests, from runaway costs to security gaps, and how to mitigate them safely. by Kristopher Sandoval [nordicapis.com]
5 Examples of Excellent MCP Server Documentation
Learn what makes great MCP server documentation, with real-world examples from Figma, GitLab, PandaDoc, SmartBear, and Webflow. by Janet Wagner [nordicapis.com]
JSON Schema Visualization Tool
[studio.ioflux.org]
Authorization as a Service: Data Filtering is Still Hard
January 2026 Authorization as a Service (AaaS) providers like Authzed, Cerbos, OpenFGA, Oso, Permify, and Permit have become popular in the last few years. Their core promise is that by centralizing authorization logic in a dedicated service, you save engineering effort and reduce the risk of authorization bugs. [mathieularose.com]
AuthZEN: A New Standard for Fine-Grained Authorization
Learn how AuthZEN standardizes fine-grained authorization with a unified decision API that reduces lock-in and improves enterprise security. by Jonas Iggbom [nordicapis.com]
Did Skills Kill MCP?
An overview of Agent Skills vs MCP [block.github.io]
gRPC as a custom transport for MCP
Google Cloud is working with MCP maintainers to support pluggable transports in the MCP SDK and support gRPC as a transport without transcoding. [cloud.google.com]
Business of APIs
Under the Hood: Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)
UCP: An open-source protocol by Google and partners to power agentic commerce. It ensures secure, seamless shopping across consumer surfaces. [developers.googleblog.com]
Microservices Killed Our Startup. Monoliths Would've Saved Us
The architecture decision that looked brilliant on whiteboards and destroyed us in production by Engineer in the Dark [medium.com]
9 Types of API Monetization Models
Explore nine API monetization models, including subscription, consumption, tokens, data services, and more, to help scale your API business. by Kristopher Sandoval [nordicapis.com]
(Un)Related
Testing Google Pub/Sub Locally? Microcks Now Supports the Emulator!
Testing Google Pub/Sub Locally? Microcks Now Supports the Emulator! by Microcks [microcks.io]
In 2026, AI Is Merging With Platform Engineering. Are You Ready?
Discover what's ahead this year for developer productivity, and why a strategic, user-centric approach is key for success. by Jennifer Riggins [thenewstack.io]
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As always, if you want to chat, share a link, or make a suggestion, feel free to drop us a quick note or tagging us on Twitter (@launchany and @caseysoftware) or by emailing us at: [email protected].
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