Which API Response Format Is Best: Include Empty B or Omit It?
The discussion compares two API response designs—always returning an empty array for field B versus omitting B when it has no data—and evaluates which approach provides clearer contracts and easier handling for front‑end developers.
The front‑end and back‑end agreed on a JSON response format that includes fields "A" and "B", where "B" is an array. { "A": "", "B": [{}, {}] } The back‑end then suggested that when "B" has no data, it could be omitted entirely, returning only the "A" field. { "A": "" } The author proposes always returning both fields, with "B" as an empty array when there is no data. { "A": "***", "B": [] } Which of these approaches is preferable for API design?
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