Track API resource dependencies in your API center

This article explains how to track the dependencies between APIs and associated resources in your Azure API center. Use the dependency tracker (preview) to map dependencies across APIs, environments, and deployments in your catalog. Also track dependencies on external components including GitHub repositories and other resources in Azure and other cloud platforms.

Each dependency identifies a source resource and a related target resource that depends on it. By tracking dependencies between source and target resources, you can:

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues more effectively by providing visibility into the relationships between components

• Improve the reliability of systems by identifying risks such as circular dependencies or over-reliance on single points of failure

• Improve effectiveness of AI agents by using mapped dependencies for automatic discovery of valid endpoints for tasks and validating toolchain compatibility

Prerequisites

• An Azure API center resource in your Azure subscription.
• Register one or more APIs in your API center. For instructions, see Register APIs in your API inventory.

Add a dependency

Use the dependency tracker in the Azure portal to add a dependency.

To add a dependency:

1. In the Azure portal, navigate to your API center.
2. In the left menu, under Assets, select Dependency tracker (preview).
3. Select + Add Dependency.
4. In the Dependency Manager window, enter a Title and optionally a Description of the dependency.
5. In Source details, select a Source Type (for example, an API or a related resource). Depending on the type, enter or select identifying information such as a name or ID.
6. In Target details, select a Target Type (for example, an API or a related resource). Depending on the type, enter or select identifying information such as a name or ID.
7. Save the dependency.

The dependency is added.

View dependencies

API Center provides a default table view that lists dependencies, and a graphical view with a holistic representation. Use these views to explore the relationships between your resources.

To see a graphical view:

1. In the left menu, under Assets, select Dependency tracker (preview).
2. Select the Graph View tab.

In the graphical view, select the box representing any API center resource to see its details.

Manage dependencies

You can edit or delete dependencies as needed using the table view.

To view or edit dependency details:

1. In the left menu, under Assets, select Dependency tracker (preview).
2. Select Table View, and find the dependency you want to edit.
3. Select See details.
4. To make changes, select Edit, and update details.
5. Save your changes.

To delete a dependency:

1. In the Dependency tracker (preview) table view, find the dependency that you want to delete.
2. Select Delete dependency (trash can icon).
3. Confirm the deletion.

Related content

• Overview of Azure API center
• Register APIs in your API inventory