Having good documentation for your APIs is crucial if you want the developers to start using them quickly. But it can be hard to understand what constitutes good API documentation.
This post will explore a few tips on writing compelling API documentation. We’ll also show you some real-world examples of well-written API docs that are easy to use. So, if you’re looking for help to get started with your API documentation, keep reading!
What is API Documentation
API documentation is a technical document that provides information about software APIs; it includes instructions on configuring and using the API. API documentation can also contain code and use cases and is typically published online for easy accessibility.
API documentation usually includes information on:
- installing and configuring the API
- The API’s object model and class hierarchy
- The API methods, functions, and properties
- Sample code snippets illustrating how to use the API
- Use cases showing how an API endpoint can be used in different ways
Although the primary audience of API documents is the developers, other stakeholders might also want to look at them from time to time. For instance, if a project manager or product owner wants to know more about an API, they will go through the documentation to understand its functionalities.
API documentation is usually in HTML format, making it easy to read and search.
What Makes for Good API Documentation
API documentation is a crucial part of any API development process. It lets developers quickly understand how an API works and what it can be used for. But preparing good API documentation is easier said than done. So, we have listed some tips on writing good API documentation.
Simplify the Language
Use plain and simple language. API documentation readers come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. To make the API documentation accessible to all types of readers, avoid technical terms that your audience might not be familiar with.
In case you must introduce a technical term, be sure to provide enough information about the term that will make the reader comfortable. It is a good idea to maintain a glossary if your API documentation has a lot of technical terms.
Have a Clear Structure
Maintain a clear structure and logically organize your content. For example, group related topics together and use headings and subheadings to help readers find their needed information. The structure is the glue that holds the API documentation together.
Maintain Consistency across the Document
Maintain consistency across your entire document. A consistent and uniform document, be it in style, tone, or the information, is easy to follow. Avoid excessive nesting when categorizing your writing into subgroups. Instead, think of ways to enhance the document’s accessibility by using anchors within the page or hyperlinking to additional resources.
Include Relevant Examples
The readers of API documentation come from different functions of a business. So, the requirement of each of these readers vary. For example, if a developer reads the documentation, they will want to see code examples. Whereas, if an implementation specialist reads the documentation, they would like to see examples of use cases of the API.
Therefore, with the help of reusable and substantial examples, good API documentation should show how various readers can use your API.
Timely Update the Documentation
Make sure your documentation is up to date. As your API evolves, so should your documentation.
However, updating the documentation can be tricky. It requires a lot of planning – from the development of the API to the publishing of documentation. To make things easier, the business should think about writing codes that can be documented easily. It may also help to think about your final API documentation, even before publishing it.
Examples of API Documentation Done Well
We have talked about what makes good API documentation. Now, let’s look at some examples of documentation done well.
Stripe API Reference
The Stripe API documentation features an intuitive and easy-to-follow two-panel design, with explanations written in plain English on the left and handy code snippets on the right (for the times you need them the most). As expected from this company that makes everything look sleek, there are all kinds of essential information to get your project off quickly without any fuss.
Furthermore, they provide explicit standards for each API call and detailed explanations of each parameter. They show how to use every endpoint and include reusable examples for their SDKs. Their documentation is concise and well-written.
Twilio Docs
Twilio Docs is a favorite among developers. With its two-panel style, easy-to-follow layout, and well-chosen font, the documentation feels more aesthetically pleasing than many other API reference documentation.
It’s easier for a developer to copy and paste code examples. Stakeholders, who want to understand the capabilities of the API, also have the option to read tutorials. They provide clear examples for each API call and detailed explanations of each parameter. The Twilio API docs are also very well organized and accessible.
Twitter API Documentation
Twitter API documentation has a very professional and sleek design. This design choice makes it stand out from other traditional websites with boring layouts where you need to spend hours looking at different posts only to find yourself lost and confused.
However, inside Twitter’s API documentation, everything flows together so well. Thanks in part to their use of interactive elements, all relevant information is more accessible and easier to navigate around.
The Twitter docs contain an authentication guide, a quick start guide, and plenty of code snippets and relevant examples. Although not as popular as the Stripe or Twilio docs, Twitter docs are flexible with how they present the information to the users.
What You DON’T Want in Your Documentation
Now that we have seen some examples of API documentation done well, let’s look at a few things you don’t want to do to make your documentation better than the rest.
Incomplete Information & No Code Samples
API documentation should be complete and accurate. So, ensure your API documentation has up-to-date information, including correct API endpoints, methods, parameters, and responses.
In addition, not having enough code samples, try-it-out editors, and brief overviews of each API functionality will cost you a great deal. Try to solve this problem in your API documentation.
Outdated API Reference Material
API documentation can quickly become outdated if the API changes frequently. Keep your docs up-to-date by regularly reviewing and revising them. How will people know what you’re building if they can’t find your product’s documentation?
Poorly written or outdated docs also hurt efforts and credibility in this industry. Good documentation must have technical accuracy and an engaging tone so that readers can engage with your API simply at a glance through your documentation.
Lack of Clarity/Inconsistent Formatting
API documentation should be easy to read and navigate. Use consistent design throughout your docs, including headings, subheadings, and bulleted lists.
Also, make the content sticky by having interactive elements in the documents. Features such as images, infographics, well-placed emojis/gifs, and other dynamic elements can make the content more engaging.
Broken Links
API documentation often links a reader to other resources, such as external documentation or code samples. Therefore, regularly check that all the links in your API documentation are working correctly.
The public API documentation page should ideally have a link to the documentation repository, making it easier for anyone to recommend changes.
Inadequate Search Functionality
API documents can be hard to search through if it’s not well-organized. So, it is important that you provide search functionality within your API documentation. Not having the search function only frustrates your audience, especially if they are trying to learn about your APIs before making up their minds to use them.
Ensure your API docs have a good search function so users can easily find what they’re looking for. The navigation bar is a welcomed sight for those who don’t want their intent lost within the API documents.
Missing Error Codes & Confusing Diagrams
API documentation should include a list of all the possible error scenarios the API could return. Listing these scenarios will help developers troubleshoot the problems they encounter while using your APIs.
API documentation should refrain from using confusing diagrams. Keep the images in your API documentation simple and easy to understand. Avoid using verbiage that might not be known by everyone.
Lack of Versioning
APIs might need to be changed frequently. However, your client might not be ready to shift their infrastructure to the new changes. Therefore, API versioning should be implemented to avoid confusion and communicate the right information to your clients.
The API documentation should also reflect the information according to the version of the API. Maintaining documentation for each version of the API helps developers and stakeholders work with the version of the API they intend to use and enforce your commitment to your client.
As a rule of thumb, the most recent version should always appear first for developers to introduce the latest changes made to the API.
Above all, Focus on Developer Experience
Documentation is vital for any API because it allows developers to understand how the API works and how to use it effectively. Without documentation, developers would have to figure out everything independently, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
To avoid these pitfalls, organizations focus on developer experience by:
- covering the necessary information about their APIs
- facilitating easy navigation and search functionality
- enforcing accuracy and consistency
- updating and upgrading documentation in a timely manner.
Final Thoughts
API documentation is a crucial tool for providing an excellent developer experience and talking to the users based on their persona. There is no doubt that creating excellent API documentation takes time, but if you make the right decision, having superb API documentation can become a possibility.
We hope this article has helped you understand what makes API documentation good. If you want more information on how to enhance your API documentation, reach out to ThatAPICompany for a consultation.
