API Leader Daniel Kocot — How to Build Great APIs

APIs run the modern digital world, but what separates the good from the great?

Daniel has been part of the codecentric team since October 2016. Since the beginning of 2022 he works as Principal API Consultant at the Dortmund branch. Starting as a consultant with a focus on application lifecycle management, his focus shifted more and more towards APIs. In addition to numerous customer projects and his involvement in the open source world around APIs. He is also a frequent speaker at conferences.

In this episode of The Good Thing with Stefan & Jens, Daniel joins us for a deep dive into how modern teams should think about APIs: as products, as capabilities, and as core business enablers. From governance models to open source adoption to the future of API standards, this conversation explores what it really takes to make APIs work at scale.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

From APIs to Capabilities
Daniel explains why thinking in terms of capabilities (“Ship Order”, “Process Payment”, “Approve Loan”) instead of technical endpoints can reshape API design. We discuss how this mindset shift ensures APIs align with business value and how product thinking drives long-term success.

Governance vs. Gateways
APIs don’t succeed without governance. Daniel shares why tools like API gateways are helpers, not leaders. Together, we explore strategies for balancing autonomy with control, defining ownership, and preventing API sprawl without killing innovation.

Open Source as the API Backbone
codecentric deliberately builds on open-source technologies. Daniel, Jens, and Stefan discuss how communities like OpenAPI, AsyncAPI, and GraphQL accelerate progress, the trade-offs of open source in enterprise settings, and why standards are crucial for event-driven APIs.

The Future of APIs
What role will GraphQL, gRPC, and AsyncAPI play in shaping tomorrow’s API strategies? How might AI influence API design and usage? Daniel shares his perspective on when to use different approaches, where they converge, and why reliability still matters most.

If you care about API strategy, developer experience, or building infrastructure that lasts, this conversation is for you.

Join the live chat or comments and share:
* Should APIs be designed as capabilities, not endpoints?
* How much governance is too much?
* What’s the role of open source in API strategy today?

Tune in every Friday at 9 AM on YouTube (WunderGraph - Stefan & Jens) for new Live episodes!

Watch this episode here: How Great Teams Build Great APIs — Daniel Kocot (API thought leader)

Visit us at wundergraph.com