PHP API Development Expert

I need a seasoned PHP developer to design and build a clean, well-documented API from the ground up. The project centres entirely on backend logic—there is no front-end work—so your focus will be creating efficient endpoints, solid authentication, and clear JSON output.

Here’s what I have in mind:

• Code in modern PHP (8.x preferred) and follow PSR standards.
• Use a framework or micro-framework you’re comfortable with—Laravel, Lumen, Slim, or even plain Composer packages are fine—as long as it stays lean and easy to maintain.
• Include token-based authentication, structured error handling, and basic rate limiting.
• Provide concise documentation (endpoints, parameters, responses) plus a Postman or Insomnia collection so I can test everything quickly.
• Ship the work in a Git repository with readable commits; unit tests for critical methods are a big plus.

Acceptance criteria: all agreed endpoints return expected responses, automated tests pass, and the documentation lets another developer spin up and verify the API in minutes.

Tell me briefly how you would structure the project, any libraries you’d reach for, and your estimated timeline to completion.