Microsoft has recently introduced a preview of the OData API type in Azure API Management (APIM), offering developers a standardized and more efficient way to access data resources over the web.

In this article, we will explore the difference between the classic API approach and OData API, and why the inclusion of OData in APIM is a significant step forward. We will also discuss the security advantages of using OData API over the classic REST API approach.

Classic API vs. OData API

Traditional RESTful APIs based on the classic approach follow the principles of Representational State Transfer (REST) architecture. While they are widely used and flexible, the implementation can vary from one API to another. This variance can lead to inconsistencies in query formats and navigation between resources.
OData (Open Data Protocol) is a standardized protocol that defines a uniform way to create, query, and consume data APIs over the web. With OData API, developers adhere to a set of conventions, ensuring consistency and predictability across different services. OData API offers standardized query options, navigation properties, and self-descriptive metadata, making it easier for clients to interact with the API and explore data relationships.

Why OData in APIM is important

OData API’s standardized query options simplify data access by providing a common syntax for filtering, sorting, and shaping data. Developers can efficiently request the exact data they need without requiring extensive documentation on the API’s custom query parameters.
OData’s standardized nature allows for better interoperability between different services and client applications. Developers can seamlessly integrate with various data sources, even if they were not initially designed to work together, reducing integration complexities.
OData’s self-descriptive metadata enable developers to understand the API’s capabilities dynamically. This feature streamlines the development process, as developers can explore the available data entities and relationships directly from the API, without the need for additional external documentation.

Security advantages of OData API

OData API in APIM provides an additional layer of security for data access. By leveraging Azure’s built-in security features, developers can control access to specific data entities, properties, or operations, ensuring sensitive data remains protected from unauthorized access.
OData API supports role-based access control, allowing administrators to define different access levels for different user roles. This feature grants precise control over the data that various users or client applications can access, reducing potential data exposure risks.
OData API in APIM can seamlessly integrate with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for authentication and authorization. This integration provides a secure and scalable identity management solution for API consumers, preventing unauthorized access attempts.

The inclusion of the OData API type in Azure API Management marks a significant step towards simplifying data access, enhancing interoperability, and bolstering security measures.
By leveraging OData’s standardized query options and self-descriptive metadata, developers can streamline the development process and offer a more consistent and user-friendly API experience.
With its focus on data security and fine-grained access control, the OData API in APIM provides a robust solution for building secure and scalable data APIs in the Azure ecosystem.

Below is a useful list of the best resource about OData API:

• Practical Guide – Using OData API in Azure API Management Microsoft offers a comprehensive practical guide on integrating the OData API in Azure API Management. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, best practices, and real-world examples to help you build, secure, and optimize OData APIs efficiently.
• Official OData Website: https://www.odata.org/
  This is The official OData website is a valuable resource to learn about the protocol’s fundamentals, specifications, and how it facilitates data access and manipulation through standard web technologies.
• OData Version 4.01 Specification: https://www.odata.org/documentation/odata-version-4-0/odata-version-4-0-part-1-protocol/
  If you want to go deeper into the official OData Version 4.01 specification to gain a deeper understanding of the core concepts, query options, and data model conventions that define the OData protocol.
• OData API Tutorial by Microsoft: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/odata/webapi/tutorial
  Good Microsoft’s tutorial on OData API offers a hands-on approach, guiding you through creating an OData API using ASP.NET Web API. This tutorial covers essential concepts and provides practical examples for quick learning.
• OData.org Sample Services: https://www.odata.org/odata-services/
  This is a variety of sample OData services available on the OData.org website to better grasp real-world use cases and implementations.
• SAP API Business Hub: https://api.sap.com/
  SAP API Business Hub offers a collection of OData APIs, accompanied by detailed documentation and interactive tools, enabling you to explore and test these APIs.
• OData in Microsoft Docs: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/odata/
  Microsoft’s official documentation on OData provides an extensive knowledge base, including best practices and guides for working with OData APIs in diverse platforms and scenarios.
• OData GitHub Repository: https://github.com/OData
  This is the OData GitHub repository containing various OData-related projects, libraries, and samples that contribute to your learning and exploration.
• OData Blog: https://www.odata.org/blog/
  Here you’ll find the latest announcements, insights, and in-depth articles related to the OData protocol and its applications.