As the exciting field of API development keeps evolving and growing, the need for well-written API documentation has never been greater. Your team has built an excellent API, and now it's time to demonstrate its power to the users. However, a simple spreadsheet listing all the functions won't cut it. Instead, you have to guide your readers through the API and show them how to use it—all that while balancing the right amount of information.
Writing great API documentation doesn't have to be too complicated. We've selected six API writing tips to help you provide your readers with an exceptional user experience and streamline your document creation process. But first, let's address the fundamentals.
Documentation for Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is one of the most difficult types of technical documentation to write. If you're struggling to even begin understanding how documentation can help developers using APIs in their work, this guide will provide you with a primer on what API documentation is, why it's important, and how to create it efficiently.
Table of contents:
- [What Is API Documentation?]
- [Different Types of API Documentation]
- [What is Good API Documentation?]
- [6 Tips for Writing Great API Documentation]🔥🔥
- [How to Make API Documentation]
- [FAQ]
What Is API Documentation?
APIs are sophisticated software tools that enable developers to build bridges between disparate software systems, facilitating seamless communication and integration.
For developers to successfully integrate APIs into their own products, they require detailed guidance that explains the API's capabilities and how to begin working with it. Providing such comprehensive documentation is key to driving increased adoption and usage of your APIs.
This is where comprehensive API documentation comes into play. It serves as a complete resource, guiding developers through the process of getting acquainted with the API, learning how to properly integrate it into their work, and troubleshooting any problems that may arise.
For example, have a look at what the documentation for Twitter’s API contains:
Quality API documentation, such as that provided for the Twitter API, offers a clear entry point to get started, followed by comprehensive guides covering the fundamental components of the API. It also includes tools for documenting your APIs, as well as libraries where developers can find everything needed to work with the API. Additionally, the documentation features tutorials that foster self-guided learning, empowering developers to become proficient users of the API.
Finally, there’s a reference index where developers can quickly look up every action they can take using the API.
API documentation is typically crafted by individuals who possess deep familiarity with the code-either experienced technical writers or the very developers responsible for creating the API. As the parties most intimately acquainted with the API's inner workings and capabilities, they are uniquely qualified to author comprehensive documentation on its use.
In most cases, this documentation is then published on a dedicated website, making it readily accessible to any interested parties seeking to learn about the API and explore ways to leverage it towards achieving their goals. By providing easy access to clear, detailed documentation, API providers can attract a wider community of developers to adopt and utilize their offerings.
When crafting high-quality API documentation, developers often face a number of challenges. One key hurdle is striking the appropriate balance between brevity and comprehensiveness. Technical writers must ensure the documentation remains concise and user-friendly, while still providing all the necessary details developers require. They may also need to navigate complex API design choices, such as how to best handle error conditions or manage authentication requirements.
Using a tool like apidog can help developers overcome these documentation challenges. apidog provides a comprehensive platform for authoring, publishing, and managing API documentation, allowing writers to strike the right balance between concision and completeness.
Different Types of API Documentation
Different types of API documentation correspond to different needs of developers as they go through the entire process of working with the API.
With that in mind, we can divide API documentation into three distinct types:
- API reference: a catalog of all of the endpoints contained in the API that lays out the possibilities and tasks that can be achieved once the API is integrated.
- Guides and tutorials: these educational resources take the developer through the process of using the API and show them, step by step, how they can implement the endpoints described in the reference.
- Examples: Once the developer is deep in their work with the API, examples show them specific use cases for the API as well as how to fix commonly encountered problems.
To put this in the context of the API user journey, the API reference is great for providing an initial overview for newcomers to the API. Once the basics are understood, guides and tutorials show developers how to work with the API to make integration as smooth as possible. Finally, examples provide the developer with specific use cases and solutions once they become proficient and have the ability to adapt the API to the needs of their application or product.
This specific documentation entry covers the process of adding an email address to an allowlist (a list of trusted addresses). It briefly explains the purpose of this action, outlines the relevant parameters and requirements, and then demonstrates what a successful response would look like. Documentation like this, covering every available action that can be performed using the API, provides developers with a comprehensive reference.
What is Good API Documentation?
A standard API documentation possesses several essential characteristics. It should be clear, correct, and comprehensive, offering a detailed explanation of the API's functionality, including all endpoints, HTTP methods, request parameters, and response formats. The documentation should be easy for developers to understand, avoiding unnecessary jargon and complex terminology.
Here are the key attributes of good API documentation:
- Clarity and Readability: Good API documentation is written in a clear and easily understandable manner. It uses plain language and avoids unnecessary technical jargon, making it accessible to a wide range of developers, from novices to experts.
- Consistency: The documentation maintains a consistent structure and format throughout. A well-organized layout, clear headings, and standardized terminology make it easy for developers to navigate and find the information they need.
- Interactive Elements: Some API documentation may incorporate interactive elements, such as the ability to test API endpoints directly from the documentation, view live response examples, and experiment with different parameters. These features enhance the user experience.
- Authentication and Authorization: It explains the authentication and authorization mechanisms required to access the API. This includes details about API keys, tokens, or any other security measures necessary for proper usage.
- Error Handling: Comprehensive API documentation includes information about error responses, including status codes, error messages, and guidance on how to handle and troubleshoot common errors.
- Versioning: In cases where the API has multiple versions, the documentation should clearly indicate versioning strategies, allowing developers to access the correct API version.
6 Tips for Writing Great API Documentation🔥🔥
1. Tell Users Where to Start
This specific documentation entry explains the process of adding an email to an allowlist. It covers the purpose, parameters, and successful response. The documentation provides a comprehensive reference for all API actions.
However, the wealth of information , like code examples and FAQs , can potentially overwhelm users. To help clients get started quickly, the documentation should offer a clear starting point.
Writing API documentation with the same straightforward approach as Twilio ensures that users always know how to get things accomplished. While in an ideal world, developers would thoroughly read through the entire documentation, the reality is they often only have time to quickly scan for the relevant information they need.
To help new users effectively implement your solution, it's crucial that your API documentation provides clear, precise instructions on where to start. By offering a concise entry point, you can enable developers to quickly find and understand the steps required to begin using your API.
2. Follow the Naming Conventions Consistently
Great API documentation is easily understood. One of the best ways you can increase the comprehension of your API documents is by consistently following the naming conventions.
Consistent naming helps your readers follow the content more easily and also improves the searchability of your API documentation.
When crafting API documentation, it's important to follow common naming conventions. This typically involves favoring nouns over verbs, using hyphens instead of underscores, and sticking to lowercase letters.
While abbreviations can make function names more concise, they can also compromise readability - and clear, user-friendly documentation is the goal. That's why most developers advise against using abbreviations in code, as they can obstruct understanding.
By adhering to standard naming best practices, you can ensure your API documentation remains easy for developers to follow and comprehend.
3. Call Out the Common Use Cases
If you want to truly elevate your API documentation, consider including real-world use cases demonstrating the tool's practical applications. This can transform your API from abstract lines of code into a solution that delivers tangible, measurable value for users.
There are two primary audiences for API documentation - developers and non-technical stakeholders. Developers typically turn to the documentation when they need to accomplish a specific task with the API or troubleshoot an issue they've encountered. In these scenarios, they're rarely interested in browsing general overviews, and instead seek direct, actionable guidance.
By highlighting relevant use cases, you can ensure your API documentation provides developers the contextual information they need to effectively leverage the tool towards achieving their goals.
The image above shows Slack’s messaging API. It’s neatly divided into message retrieving, sending, modifying, and other related actions.
So, if a dev had a problem with scheduling an automatic message announcing the weekly meeting, they’d immediately know where to look for a solution.
4. Use Examples in Your API Documentation
Providing examples of API calls, errors, and operations in your documentation is crucial. These hands-on illustrations help users quickly learn how to use the API.
Along with practical examples, an overview of the API's full capabilities is also valuable. This gives readers a complete understanding of what they can achieve with the API.
By including both useful examples and a high-level conceptual understanding, the documentation empowers developers to rapidly start using and benefiting from the API.
5. Offer Additional Content
As we've seen, comprehensive API documentation requires a strong foundational structure. But to truly go the extra mile, you should consider producing supplementary content such as tutorials or case studies.
Research has shown that while 45% of developers focus solely on the API essentials, the other half are interested in the additional materials API documentation can offer. To cater to all your audience needs, providing bonus content that explains the API's basics or sheds light on its intricacies can be highly beneficial.
For example, the CLI tool Datree includes video tutorials to guide users through the setup process. By offering this type of supplementary content alongside the core documentation, you can empower developers to rapidly become proficient in leveraging your API.
6. Encourage Users to Provide Feedback
Although you may review the documentation thoroughly before publishing, and even have your team do the same, the true test of its success will come from the feedback provided by actual users.
However, it's unlikely that users will take the time to proactively email you their opinions. That's why embedding a direct request for feedback within the documentation itself can greatly improve your chances of receiving valuable input.
By making it easy for users to share their thoughts and experiences, you can continuously iterate and improve the API documentation to better meet their needs.
How to Make API Documentation?
API documentation is an indispensable component of modern software development, and Apidog is your all-in-one solution for generating, managing, and sharing it effectively. With Apidog, you can streamline your API development process, collaborate seamlessly with your team, and ensure that your APIs are accessible and well-documented for developers worldwide.
Step 1: Sign up to Apidog
To get started with Apidog, you'll need to create an account. Once you're logged in, you'll be welcomed by Apidog's intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Step 2: Create a New API Endpoint
Each API documentation project consists of various endpoints, each representing a specific route or functionality of your API. To add a new endpoint, simply click the "+" button or select "New Endpoint" within your project.
Step 3: Define API Endpoint Specifications
Now, it's time to provide details about your API. You'll need to specify:
- The endpoint URL
- A brief description
- Request and response information
This is where Apidog makes things easy. For each endpoint, you can:
- Specify the HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.).
- Define request parameters, including their names, types, and descriptions.
- Describe the expected response, including status codes, response formats (JSON, XML, etc.), and example responses.
API documentation doesn't have to be complicated. With Apidog, you can complete this task with just a few clicks. Its visual interface makes it far easier than generating documentation manually from code.
Step 4. Generate Your API Documentation
Once you've filled in all the essential API information, simply click on "Save as Endpoint", and Apidog will automatically generate a well-structured API documentation for you.
By following these four simple steps, you'll have a fully standardized API documentation ready to go. This process not only ensures consistency and clarity but also saves you valuable time.
(Optional) Step 5: Test Your API
Apidog also offers an interactive testing environment for your API endpoints. You can send requests, view responses, and verify that your API behaves as expected—all from within the platform. This feature is perfect for both initial testing and ongoing validation.
FAQ
What is API Documentation?
To document API endpoints, identify each endpoint, describe its purpose, list parameters and responses, and provide examples of requests and responses. Keep the documentation organized and up-to-date.
API documentation provides a complete resource for developers to get acquainted with an API, learn how to integrate it into their work, and solve any problems along the way. It is usually written by technical writers who are well versed in code or the developers who created the API themselves. It is often uploaded to a dedicated documentation website so that it can be accessed by interested parties who want to learn about the API and get ideas on how to use it.
What are the different types of API Documentation?
API documentation is a set of instructions, reference materials, and examples that describe how to use an API. It helps developers integrate APIs into their applications and serves as a reference guide for troubleshooting and optimization.
API documentation can be divided into three distinct types: API reference, which is a catalog of all of the endpoints contained in the API; Guides and tutorials, which are educational resources that take developers through the process of using the API; and Examples, which show developers specific use cases for the API as well as how to fix commonly encountered problems.
Should you build your own API Documentation?
To document an API, provide an overview, describe authentication, list endpoints and parameters, describe responses, include examples, organize the documentation, and keep it up-to-date.
Yes, especially if you care about the experience of your API users. Quality API documentation helps developers become successful users of your API faster. It enables retention of users and even attracts new ones. However, it's also important to note that creating such documentation can be challenging and requires dedicated resources.
What are some tips for creating comprehensive API Documentation?
To write API documentation, understand the API, identify the information to include, use a consistent format, write clear descriptions, include examples, test the documentation, and update it as needed.
Some tips include starting with an API specification, including a getting started guide, adding additional content such as code examples and API explorers or sandboxes, using a comprehensive API documentation checklist, and utilizing a great documentation platform.
What is the role of a documentation platform in API Documentation?
Reading API documentation is a crucial part of integrating APIs into your projects or applications. To read API documentation effectively, start by gaining a clear understanding of the API's purpose and what it can be used for. This will help you determine if the API is suitable for your needs.
A quality documentation platform hosts your documents and offers tools to offer comprehensive, interactive, code-rich documentation. It allows you to publish branded documentation in your domain and features functionalities that help you keep your API documentation up-to-date. It also supports API integrations, allows for the import of your entire API reference, and adds single API endpoints within the platform.
Top comments (7)
Really helpful article! But I'm wondering how small teams with limited resources can effectively create comprehensive API documentation without spending too much time.
Great point! @johnbyrne
For small teams, focus on the essentials: clear endpoint descriptions, basic examples, and gradually expand. Tools like Apidog or Swagger can help automate documentation, saving time. Start simple and iteratively improve.
Cool guide! How do you keep developers interested?
Thank!@jimmylin
The key is using clear, concise language, breaking complex concepts into digestible chunks, and including practical examples...
Same question!
Helped me a lot! Thank
Thank you, this was very helpful.