From Definition to call
The steps an API passes through, from the Definition a Startup writes to the call a Customer makes and the record it leaves.
An API moves from a written Definition to served calls in the steps below, each one proven or ruled.
The steps
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Author | Write the Definition as data, as rows, with no deploy. |
| 2. Validate | The platform checks the Definition and refuses it with every problem named. |
| 3. Publish | Writing the Product and its Offer records publishes the API. |
| 4. Mount | A host whose namespace defines an API serves it from that Definition. |
| 5. Derive | Every Interface and machine register is generated from the one Definition. |
| 6. Serve | Each call passes its gates in order, runs, and answers with its cost header. |
| 7. Meter | A priced call emits one usage Event, counted once by its token. |
| 8. Observe | The Dashboard reads back the kept calls of one Key. |
Why there is no deploy
A Definition is data, and so is how each Operation runs. Writing the records publishes the API, so a Startup ships an API without shipping code.