> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://adidas.gitbook.io/api-guidelines/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://adidas.gitbook.io/api-guidelines/rest-api-guidelines/rest.md).

# Introduction

## adidas REST API Guidelines

Adidas REST API Guidelines define standards and guidelines for building REST APIs at adidas. **These Guidelines have to be followed in addition to the Adidas** [**General API Guidelines.**](/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**](/api-guidelines/rest-api-guidelines/protocol.md)\*\*\*\*

    Protocol guidelines define the protocols used within the organization.
  * \*\*\*\*[**Message level**](/api-guidelines/rest-api-guidelines/message.md)\*\*\*\*

    The Message guidelines define the structure and semantics of messages used to exchange information.
  * \*\*\*\*[**Application level**](/api-guidelines/rest-api-guidelines/application.md)

    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**](/api-guidelines/rest-api-guidelines/evolution.md)\*\*\*\*

    Evolution qualities governance, such as testability, maintainability, extensibility, and scalability.
  * \*\*\*\*[**Execution**](/api-guidelines/rest-api-guidelines/execution.md)\*\*\*\*

    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