Explain Content Negotiation (Accept headers).

Updated Apr 28, 2026

Short answer

The process where the client and server agree on the data format (JSON, XML) using headers.

Deep explanation

Intermediate API design involves handling complexity and security. The process where the client and server agree on the data format (JSON, XML) using headers.

Real-world example

GitHub API using cursors for navigating large lists of commits.

Common mistakes

  • Not versioning the API from day one, leading to breaking changes.

Follow-up questions

  • Is PUT idempotent?
  • Is POST idempotent?

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