ASP.NET Core Web API Interview Question #32

What is a response DTO?

DTOs, Model Binding, Validation & API Responses Junior Beginner

Quick Interview Answer

A response DTO defines the representation returned to API clients. It allows the API to expose a stable, intentional contract instead of serializing database entities directly.

Detailed Explanation

A response DTO defines the representation returned to API clients. It allows the API to expose a stable, intentional contract instead of serializing database entities directly.

Response DTOs can omit internal fields, flatten relationships, rename concepts for clients, and include calculated or hypermedia-related information when required.

Code Example

public sealed class ProductResponse
{
    public int Id { get; init; }
    public string Name { get; init; } = "";
    public decimal Price { get; init; }
    public string Category { get; init; } = "";
}