Standard API Responses (Consistent Success and Errors)

A professional API does not return random shapes. It follows consistent patterns.

Example standard

Success:

{ "success": true, "data": {...} }

Error:

{ "success": false, "error": { "code": "VALIDATION_ERROR", "message": "..." } }

Helper functions

function json_ok($data, int $code = 200) {
  http_response_code($code);
  header("Content-Type: application/json");
  echo json_encode(["success" => true, "data" => $data]);
  exit;
}

function json_error(string $codeName, string $message, int $code = 400) {
  http_response_code($code);
  header("Content-Type: application/json");
  echo json_encode(["success" => false, "error" => ["code" => $codeName, "message" => $message]]);
  exit;
}

Why this helps

Frontends can handle responses reliably, and debugging is easier.

Next: Validation strategy, centralize validation instead of repeating everywhere.