5 Common API Design Patterns

1. REST: A way to build web services that use regular web methods (like GET and POST) to share information. Each request contains all the info needed, so the server doesn't need to remember past requests.

2. SOAP: A method for exchanging information using a special format called XML. It can remember information between requests and has strict rules for better security.

3. gRPC: A fast way to connect services. It uses a special language to define how data should look, which makes sending data quicker and uses less space than other methods.

4. WebSocket: Instead of asking for information and waiting for a reply each time, WebSocket keeps a constant connection open. This is great for when you need to send and receive updates quickly.

5. GraphQL: This lets the person asking for information choose exactly what they want. It can also send updates in real-time when information changes on server.