Dotkernel API: a replacement for legacy Laminas API Tools
The Technical Steering Committee for the Laminas Project has decided to mark Laminas API Tools (formerly Apigility)
as security-only, indicating that no new features or enhancements will be developed and only security-related updates
will be provided going forward. This decision is made in light of the evolving landscape of web API development and the
desire to ensure that users have access to modern, fully supported tools. As an alternative, the committee recommends
Dotkernel API, a robust and actively maintained framework that offers enhanced features, better performance, and
ongoing support to meet the needs of developers. This recommendation aims to facilitate a smooth transition for users
seeking a reliable and future-proof solution for their API development needs.
The issue with Laminas Api Tools
The Laminas Technical Steering Committee (or TSC) decided in an initial meeting on January 2023, to mark
laminas-api-tools as security-only, as well as its packages
as security-only, primarily because the resources to continue the project were not available.
Extended discussion about Laminas Api Tools retirement
How to move forward? Choose Dotkernel API
The TSC recommendation as a replacement for current Laminas API Tools is Dotkernel API, mostly because it is built on top of Mezzio and uses Laminas components.
This architectural decision on Dotkernel organization's part ensures that the Dotkernel API offers the same stability and forward-thinking that Laminas///Mezzio has employed in all its endeavors.
There is no upgrade path from Laminas API Tools to Dotkernel API, because of the many differences between the two. You can see the comparison table for more details. Of note are the PHP version and the architecture.
Why Dotkernel API is a good replacement for Laminas Api Tools
- Dotkernel organization has kept its ear to the ground over the past 6 years to keep track of current coding trends, with focus on API projects, while also updating our packages to the latest PHP version, now 8.3.
- The MVC architecture of laminas-api-tools is replaced with a Middleware architecture (defined in PSR-7) - Mezzio in this particular case - which provides functionality to connect applications, tools and databases in an intelligent and efficient way.
- The PHP Framework Interop Group aims to establish a standardization and interoperability of programming concepts in PHP via a list of PSRs. Dotkernel API has already implemented PSR-3, PSR-4, PSR-7, PSR-11 and PSR-15.
- The sunset header evolution strategy was chosen as a way to highlight deprecation before an API endpoint (or feature) is updated, removed or replaced. It provides a clear alert, with a link to documentation, as well as ample opportunity for developers to implement the update.
What is coming in the future
Dotkernel API has a lengthy roadmap that takes advantage of the latest architecture trends and active tools to ensure that your application will pass the test of time.
- Implement OpenAPI to enable developers to discover and understand the capabilities of the API even without access to the source code or documentation.
- Implement a full create-project procedure for faster installation and configuration.
- Expand the documentation to help developers get their APIs up and running as fast as possible.
- Propose a smart architecture for branching out from a monolith API codebase to admin, frontend and macroservices.
About Dotkernel API
The Dotkernel organization is actively involved in building and maintaining an open source ecosystem with Mezzio and Laminas Project as a solid and future-proof foundation.
Dotkernel API aspires to be a tool for the future aimed at intermediate-to-advanced level programmers, with long-term support that guarantees it will be kept up-to-date on the latest trends.
The Dotkernel organization monitors the code regularly to check for bugs and apply improvements to create a stable, fast, reliable solution for any project, from entry-level to enterprise.
- Website: dotkernel.org.
- Documentation for the API and all components and libraries: docs.dotkernel.org.