Add actionable relation-based links so API clients can navigate resource state. The examples separate the essential operation from the conditions a production implementation must enforce.
What It Does
Add actionable relation-based links so API clients can navigate resource state.
Prerequisites
Use a dedicated development environment with test accounts and records. Separate authorization, validation and error handling from response formatting; never copy demonstration-only secrets into production.
Example 1: Core Behavior
The first example isolates the core operation so its result is easy to understand.
<?php
$item = ['id'=>24,'status'=>'draft'];
$item['_links']=['self'=>['href'=>'/api/articles/24'], 'publish'=>['href'=>'/api/articles/24/publish']];
echo json_encode($item,JSON_THROW_ON_ERROR);Example 2: Alternative or Failure Case
The second example demonstrates an alternative outcome, rule or failure condition.
<?php
$status='published'; $links=['self'=>['href'=>'/api/items/3']];
if ($status==='draft') $links['publish']=['href'=>'/api/items/3/publish'];
echo json_encode($links);Practical Example: Applying the Rule
The practical example shows how to carry the same constraint into application code.
<?php
$id=12; $base='/api/items/';
echo json_encode(['_links'=>['self'=>['href'=>$base.$id],'collection'=>['href'=>$base]]]);Important Behavior and Edge Cases
Only publish links that the caller is allowed to follow; never turn link presence into authorization.
Comparison with Related Functions or Patterns
| Approach | When it differs |
|---|---|
| Building HATEOAS Links for a PHP REST API | Add actionable relation-based links so API clients can navigate resource state. |
| Related API or pattern | Ordinary pagination links convey navigation but not all domain transitions. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct approach |
|---|---|
| Publishing a state-transition link that the caller cannot use | Only publish links that the caller is allowed to follow; never turn link presence into authorization. |
| Substituting a related API without checking its semantics | Ordinary pagination links convey navigation but not all domain transitions. |
Key Takeaways
- Add actionable relation-based links so API clients can navigate resource state.
- Only publish links that the caller is allowed to follow; never turn link presence into authorization.
- Ordinary pagination links convey navigation but not all domain transitions.
Select this API or pattern based on its documented behavior and the trust boundaries in your own application, and test all external integrations against their actual deployments.