What should be included in API documentation?

API documentation should provide an example of every call, every parameter, and responses for each call. It should include code samples for commonly used languages such as Java, JavaScript, PHP, and Python. Documentation should provide an explanation for each API request and examples of error messages.

How do I document an API?

Here are 5 of the best practices on how to write API documentation:

  1. Plan for your docs.
  2. Include fundamental sections.
  3. Be consistent and avoid jargon.
  4. Include interactive examples and other resources.
  5. Maintain your docs.

What is REST API documentation?

About REST APIs You make a request to a resource stored on a server, and the server responds with the requested information. In your REST API documentation, you describe the various endpoints available, their methods, parameters, and other details, and you also document sample responses from the endpoints.

How do I write a good rest API document?

6 Tips for Documenting RESTful APIs

  1. Help yourself when you code. Good design decisions make it easier to document your APIs.
  2. Document from a user’s perspective.
  3. Don’t put URIs front and center.
  4. Write in a writing tool.
  5. Generate examples automatically and combine them with your explanations.
  6. Plan for the future.

What is API documentation example?

API documentation is a technical content deliverable, containing instructions about how to effectively use and integrate with an API. API description formats like the OpenAPI/Swagger Specification have automated the documentation process, making it easier for teams to generate and maintain them.

How do you write documentation?

Best practices for writing documentation:

  1. Include A README file that contains.
  2. Allow issue tracker for others.
  3. Write an API documentation.
  4. Document your code.
  5. Apply coding conventions, such as file organization, comments, naming conventions, programming practices, etc.
  6. Include information for contributors.

What is the use of API documentation?

API documentation is technical content that documents the API. It includes instructions on how to effectively use and integrate the API. It also provides updates on the API’s lifecycle such as new versions or retirement. Some aspects of API documentation can be generated automatically via Swagger or other documents.

What is the use of swagger documentation?

The format is both machine-readable and human-readable. As a result, it can be used to share documentation among product managers, testers and developers, but can also be used by various tools to automate API-related processes.

What is the best API documentation tool?

Top 3 Free API Documentation Tools

  • Why API Documentation Matters.
  • OpenAPI To The Rescue.
  • OpenAPI support comparison.
  • #1 – The Free API Documentation Tool With Impeccable Branding Options: ReDoc.ly.
  • #2. Swagger UI – The Direct Descendent of OpenAPI.
  • #3.
  • The Best Free API Documentation Tool – Conclusion.

What is the purpose of API documentation?

It helps your internal teams know the details of your resources, methods, and their associated requests and responses, making maintenance and updates quicker. Documentation is the key to a great experience when consuming your API. It not only enables consumer satisfaction, but also allows your API adoption to increase.

Why do we need API documentation?

A large reason why API documentation is important is to increase API adoption. Comprehensive documentation on all of the functionality, how to effectively use and integrate, and updates on the API lifecycle improves the experience for those using your APIs. API documentation is important in your lifecycle.

What are the examples of documentation?

A document usually adheres to some convention based on similar or previous documents or specified requirements. Examples of documents are sales invoices, wills and deeds, newspaper issues, individual newspaper stories, oral history recordings, executive orders, and product specifications.