# Introduction

## adidas REST API Guidelines

The adidas REST API Guidelines defines standards and guidelines for building REST APIs at adidas. **These Guidelines has to be followed in addition to the adidas** [**General API Guidelines.**](../general-guidelines/general-guidelines.md)

The REST API Guidelines are further split into the following parts:

* **Core Principles**

  REST API Guidelines Core Principles defines the rules that **MUST** be followed at throughout the full API lifecycle.

* **Functionality Guidelines**
  * \*\*\*\*[**Protocol level**](functionality/protocol/)\*\*\*\*

    Protocol guidelines define the protocols used within the organization.

  * \*\*\*\*[**Message level**](functionality/message/)\*\*\*\*

    The Message guidelines define the structure and semantics of messages used to exchange information.

  * \*\*\*\*[**Application level**](functionality/application/)

    The Application guidelines define the definition and use of application-specific semantics.
* **Quality Guidelines**

  Evolution and Execution guidelines define the rules for achieving the desired architectural qualities of systems.

  * \*\*\*\*[**Evolution**](quality/evolution/)\*\*\*\*

    Evolution qualities governance, such as testability, maintainability, extensibility, and scalability.

  * \*\*\*\*[**Execution**](quality/execution/)\*\*\*\*

    Execution qualities governance, such as security and usability.

* **Guides** Guides and materials supporting the REST API Guidelines
* **API Clients**

  Section dedicated to consumers of adidas APIs