What is API reference documentation?
It’s a concise reference manual containing all the information required to work with the API, with details about the functions, classes, return types, arguments and more, supported by tutorials and examples. API documentation is the key to a great DX.
How do you write an API reference document?
Here are 5 of the best practices on how to write API documentation:
- Plan for your docs.
- Include fundamental sections.
- Be consistent and avoid jargon.
- Include interactive examples and other resources.
- Maintain your docs.
What should API documentation include?
The foundation of your API documentation is a clear explanation of every call and parameter. As a bare minimum, you should describe in detail: what each call in your API does. each parameter and all of their possible values, including their types, formatting, rules, and whether or not they are required.
Why do we need 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.
What are API documentation tools used for?
An API Documentation Tool (ADT) is a tool that allows you to create, manage and publish documentation for your APIs. It provides a consistent way to describe your APIs and their resources.
What are API docs and API Description Documents?
API docs, or API description documents, are the collection of references, tutorials, and examples that help developers use your API. Your API’s documentation is the primary resource for explaining what is possible with your API and how to get started. It also serves as a place for developers to return with questions about syntax or functionality.
What is the difference between API definition and API specification?
API Definition is far more concerned with the general definition of an API and its structure, whereas both Specification and Documentation are concerned with informing about the API and documenting the API itself.
What is OpenAPI documentation?
API Documentation has traditionally been done using regular content creation and maintenance tools and text editors. API description formats like the OpenAPI/Swagger Specification have automated the documentation process, making it easier for teams to generate and maintain them.
Should your API documentation be public or internal?
If only developers within your own company use your API, its documentation is likely also internal. However, it should be easily discoverable. You shouldn’t have to know who to ask. For APIs used outside your organization, make your documentation public.