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That's not really true. Many websites version their API and/or release new features without providing support (at least initially) via the API. That's the rout

That's not really true. Many websites version their API and/or release new features without providing support (at least initially) via the API. That's the route Reddit has taken. There are several features that only work through the official app or website. It can be frustrating as a user of a third party client but it's a much better alternative to cutting everybody off.

ssnistfajen 4y ago
Twitter sets a dangerous precedent on API policy although this hasn't been their first time doing so (https://nordicapis.com/twitter-10-year-struggle-with-developer-relations/ https://nordicapis.com/twitter-10-year-struggle-with-develop...) With feature iteration at Reddit accelerating since 2019, they may opt to do the same eventually should a desperate squeeze of user metrics/ad revenue becomes necessary down the road. Public APIs helped Reddit rapidly grow its userbase on a lean crew. It'd be a shame to see that goodwill being burned in the never-ending chase for quarterly performance results.
gfodor 4y ago
What I said is definitely true - supporting that old version isn’t free - it needs to be maintained and all new features need to not inadvertently break it. I’m not saying this was necessarily a good move, but the upside to killing an API is you are able to cut any need to support any of it, including old versions.
- Klonoar 4y ago
  The APIs for Twitter that they're cutting off aren't being cut off for other uses, though. This clearly isn't a maintenance issue.
  - gfodor 4y ago
    I can't parse what you wrote - shutting down any API relieves some maintenence burden.
    - abraham 4y ago
      No APIs have been shut down. Specific apps competing with the Twitter mobile apps have had their access banned.
      - Klonoar 4y ago
        Thank you.
WoodenChair 4y ago
How many people use third-party Reddit clients versus using third-party Twitter clients as a percentage of total users on each site? (I don't know—not a rhetorical)
- maxfurman 4y ago
  3rd party clients were the only usable mobile clients for quite a while. Reddit acquired one of them and has been pushing it but AFAICT as a Reddit Sync user nothing has changed. I imagine they are still pretty popular.

ssnistfajen 4y ago

Twitter sets a dangerous precedent on API policy although this hasn't been their first time doing so (https://nordicapis.com/twitter-10-year-struggle-with-developer-relations/ https://nordicapis.com/twitter-10-year-struggle-with-develop...) With feature iteration at Reddit accelerating since 2019, they may opt to do the same eventually should a desperate squeeze of user metrics/ad revenue becomes necessary down the road. Public APIs helped Reddit rapidly grow its userbase on a lean crew. It'd be a shame to see that goodwill being burned in the never-ending chase for quarterly performance results.

gfodor 4y ago

What I said is definitely true - supporting that old version isn’t free - it needs to be maintained and all new features need to not inadvertently break it. I’m not saying this was necessarily a good move, but the upside to killing an API is you are able to cut any need to support any of it, including old versions.

Klonoar 4y ago
The APIs for Twitter that they're cutting off aren't being cut off for other uses, though. This clearly isn't a maintenance issue.
- gfodor 4y ago
  I can't parse what you wrote - shutting down any API relieves some maintenence burden.
  - abraham 4y ago
    No APIs have been shut down. Specific apps competing with the Twitter mobile apps have had their access banned.
    - Klonoar 4y ago
      Thank you.

WoodenChair 4y ago

How many people use third-party Reddit clients versus using third-party Twitter clients as a percentage of total users on each site? (I don't know—not a rhetorical)

maxfurman 4y ago
3rd party clients were the only usable mobile clients for quite a while. Reddit acquired one of them and has been pushing it but AFAICT as a Reddit Sync user nothing has changed. I imagine they are still pretty popular.