Like any good software, APIs need comprehensive documentation that explains their functionality and how to use them. That’s why it’s important to understand your audience when planning your docs. It will help you decide on the right structure, language and layout for your docs.

Developers expect clear and easy-to-follow docs, just as they do when they purchase any product. They would be irritated if they were given a manual with complex technical language that was hard to understand. They may abandon your API if they find the experience of using it frustrating or confusing.

API Documentation Made Easy: Quick Implementation Tips

It’s not uncommon for developers who build an API to also create its documentation, but the work is often tedious and time-consuming, especially if they are busy building the API itself. That’s why many APIs hire professional technical writers who can translate complex technical aspects into readable content. However, even the best technical writers tend to leak some jargon into their writing, which can confuse users.

A well-written API documentation made easy will include examples. These are code samples that demonstrate what a valid API request should look like and how to interpret the response. They should include both success and error scenarios to minimize confusion. Likewise, the docs will clearly explain all standard error codes (e.g. 200 OK, 404 Not Found, 500 Internal Server Error) and any unique ones that your API can trigger. The docs will also clearly explain all authentication methods and any quota or limit that the API might have on requests.