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Last updated on Jan 5, 2025
  1. All
  2. Engineering
  3. Mobile Applications

Your app breaks after a third-party API update. How do you resolve versioning conflicts?

When an API (Application Programming Interface) update breaks your app, quick and effective resolution is crucial. Here are some strategies to address versioning conflicts:

  • Implement version control: Use version control systems to track and revert changes if needed.

  • Update dependencies proactively: Regularly check for updates and compatibility issues with third-party APIs.

  • Use feature flags: Implement feature flags to toggle new API features on or off without affecting the entire app.

How do you manage API conflicts in your development process? Share your insights.

Mobile Applications Mobile Applications

Mobile Applications

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Last updated on Jan 5, 2025
  1. All
  2. Engineering
  3. Mobile Applications

Your app breaks after a third-party API update. How do you resolve versioning conflicts?

When an API (Application Programming Interface) update breaks your app, quick and effective resolution is crucial. Here are some strategies to address versioning conflicts:

  • Implement version control: Use version control systems to track and revert changes if needed.

  • Update dependencies proactively: Regularly check for updates and compatibility issues with third-party APIs.

  • Use feature flags: Implement feature flags to toggle new API features on or off without affecting the entire app.

How do you manage API conflicts in your development process? Share your insights.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
10 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Aneeqa Khan

    Senior Mobile App Developer | React, React Native, JavaScript, TypeScript, Next.js | Technical Writer | I Help Companies Build Scalable Software Solutions

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    - Compare the old and new API versions to pinpoint issues. - Check forums, GitHub issues, or contact support if needed. - Automate dependency checks to stay ahead of updates.

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    Affan Minhas

    Computer Engineer | Flutter & Flutter Flow Developer | Top Rated Upwork | Level 2 Seller Fiverr

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    “Version control is your safety net in the world of code.” Create separate branches for new features or API integrations. This way, if something breaks, you can easily roll back to a stable version. Use tags to mark stable versions of your app. This makes it easier to identify and revert to a working state. Example: If an API update breaks your app, use git revert to roll back to the last stable commit while you investigate the issue.

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    1
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    Gustavo Cosme

    Apple Developer Educator | Apple Expert at Globoplay | Speaker & Content Creator | 17+ Years in Tech | iOS, Swift, SwiftUI | Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision, macOS

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    Check the API changes, update dependencies in Podfile or Package.swift, and adjust the code accordingly. If needed, temporarily lock the previous version.

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    Phillemon Neluvhalani

    Founder & CEO @WardenShield | Research Fellow & Industry Scientist @AIIA | Co-Founder of Global Transport News Network | Founder & CEO @Globe MegaMart | INVESTOR

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    When a third-party API update disrupts your app, swift action is essential to restore functionality. 🔄🛠 Implement version control 📂 to track changes and quickly revert if necessary. Stay proactive by regularly updating dependencies 🔍📦 and testing compatibility before deploying updates. Use feature flags 🚦 to enable or disable new API features without risking the stability of your entire app.

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  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Aathreaya Arivarasan (Previously Dinesh Kumar Arivarasan)

    Versatile Tech Enthusiast and Mentor | Expert in Mobile App Development | UI/UX Design | iOS | Android | React Native | Flutter | Store Listing Specialist

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    API versioning conflicts can disrupt an app, but proactive strategies help mitigate issues. Version locking ensures stability by pinning API versions. Thorough testing in staging environments catches breaking changes early. Feature flags allow gradual rollouts and quick rollbacks. Proactive monitoring helps detect API deprecations before they impact production. Collaboration with API providers and keeping dependencies up to date are key to maintaining seamless functionality. How do you handle API conflicts? #APIManagement #DevOps

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    Jérémie Guillot

    Freelance KMP & Android Senior Mobile Application Developer

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    When a third-party API update breaks your app, swift troubleshooting and preventive measures are key. Start by identifying the exact changes in the API—check the documentation and changelogs for deprecated endpoints or modified response structures. Implement version control by pinning API versions where possible, ensuring backward compatibility. Regularly monitor dependencies and test updates in a staging environment before deploying to production. Feature flags can help selectively enable new API features without risking a full app failure.

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    Yuri Chukhlib

    iOS Team Lead | Senior iOS Engineer | Mobile Engineering Manager | Head Of Mobile

    (edited)
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    1️⃣ Pin Dependency Versions – Always specify exact versions in Package.swift / Podfile to avoid unexpected updates. 2️⃣ Monitor & Test Early – Subscribe to API changelogs and use CI/CD to test new versions before deploying. 3️⃣ Graceful Degradation – Implement fallbacks or feature flags to handle breaking changes smoothly. 4️⃣ Adapter Pattern – Wrap third-party APIs in an abstraction layer to isolate changes and minimize impact.

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    Muhammad Abdullah Afzal

    React Native Mobile App Developer | Cross-Platform App Specialist | iOS/Android | UI/UX-Focused | Scalable App Solutions | HIPAA-Compliant | Fintech Solutions | SaaS App | MVP to Full Product | EdTech | Booking Platforms

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    Managing API conflicts effectively is crucial for maintaining app stability. I believe proactive dependency management is key—regularly checking for updates and testing them in isolated environments helps prevent issues before they hit production. Feature flags are also a game-changer for rolling out new updates smoothly without breaking existing functionality. A solid version control strategy ensures you can always revert to a working state when needed.

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    Rogelin Farias

    iOS Engineer | Swift | SwiftUI | Combine | Concurrency | iOS SDK | CI/CD | MVVM

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    Always specify the exact API version in your dependency manager Use explicitly versioned API endpoints like /v1/resource and /v2/resource Keep in mind this could also mean a major bump in you App version depending on the importance of said API Feature-flag changes for easy rollback Do a gradual rollout monitoring API usage Its a good time to revisit your tests

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    Muhammad Ehtisham Ul Haq

    Front-End Developer | Web & Mobile Apps | React, React Native, Next.js | JavaScript, TypeScript | Agile

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    - Feature Flags are lifesavers when rolling out a new feature or major update. If an issue arises due to a third-party API change, you can quickly disable the affected functionality to maintain app stability and user trust. - Investigate the Issue by checking the API provider’s documentation, changelog, and forums (e.g., GitHub issues, Stack Overflow) for reported conflicts and potential fixes.

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