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A Debmedia Original February 6, 2026 · 1 min read

How would you design a REST API for a resource that has a complex hierarchical structure, such as a product catalog with multiple categories and subcategories?

I would utilize nested routes to represent the hierarchy of the resource. For example, I might structure the endpoints as /categories/{categoryId}/subcategories/{subcategoryId}/products. This approach helps maintain clarity and allows clients to…

Debasis Bhattacharjee

SOFTWARE_ARCHITECT // AI_ENGINEER

📅 Feb 06, 2026 ⏱ 1 min read

HW

How would you design a REST API for a resource that has a complex hierarchical structure, such as a product catalog with multiple categories and subcategories?

COVER // HOW WOULD YOU DESIGN A REST API FOR A RESOURCE THAT HAS A COMPLEX HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE, SUCH AS A PRODUCT CATALOG WITH MULTIPLE CATEGORIES AND SUBCATEGORIES?

I would utilize nested routes to represent the hierarchy of the resource. For example, I might structure the endpoints as /categories/{categoryId}/subcategories/{subcategoryId}/products. This approach helps maintain clarity and allows clients to easily understand the relationship between the resources.

api-design e-commerce hierarchy rest

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