What is the significance of versioning in APIs?

Short answer: How would you version a REST API? Versioning ensures backward compatibility when APIs change. Common approaches: URI versioning → /api/v1/users Header-based versioning → Accept: application/vnd.myapi.v1+json Query parameter → /users?version=1

Real-world example (ShopNest)

ShopNest mobile app sends a JWT Bearer token. The API validates it and uses the user id from claims to load that user’s cart only.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.