How do naming, parameters, and return types make APIs readable?

Readable APIs

• Names: verbs for actions (createOrder), nouns for data (Order).
• Parameters: few, ordered general → specific; use objects for many options.
• Returns: Optional/Result instead of null; throw for exceptional cases.
• Consistency: same terms across REST and service layer.

Good API reads like prose: orderService.cancel(orderId, reason).