How to create API documentation?
One of the most common and effective way to create API documentation is by using API Blueprint (APIB) specification. APIB is a set of JSON-based format that can be easily used in almost any programming language. With APIB, it's possible to describe: API version. HTTP methods. URLs, with or without path. Query parameters and fields. Response bodies. If you are using Swagger UI, then it is highly recommended to use APIB because it enables you to see every parameter and response format. This article will show you step-by-step how to document a REST API using APIB. You'll be able to view Swagger UI generated from the API's responses and describe URLs, HTTP methods, query parameters and fields, response bodies.
The examples described in this article are from my own API development, so the API structure might not be exactly the same as yours. Also, the example might have some minor issues (but I will fix them during the development process).
Why APIB? Mostly, the reason for using APIB for describing REST API is because it helps us to separate the data model (representations of our API, eg: HTTP methods and parameters) from the API itself (the structure, URLs, query parameters, etc. Because there are two completely different APIs, REST and SOAP based ones, we need to keep them separate. In case of REST API, we need to use JSON-based format.
However, SOAP is an XML-based format, which usually has a very complex structure. So we can keep the data model clean, but describing it as a JSON or XML doesn't mean that we can use it in our API.
How to develop API documentation using APIB? In order to document the structure of the REST API, we need to create a JSON document called specification, similar to the one below: Then we need to define various elements (which are the representations of the API) within this document, eg the URLs, HTTP methods and their parameters. Defining URL Types. So first of all, we need to define which URIs our API supports.
What should be included in API documentation?
What should I include in API documentation?
We have a documentation for our service and there is a ton of things. Which of these items should we include in documentation and why? You must think about the following question. Which API will be interesting for developer and in which way? Based on that answer you can build documentation. A lot of information is found in the specification of the API: How the system works. Input parameters. Output parameters. Error handling.
But the best way to find out is to talk with people who already use the API or ask yourself if the developer find it relevant.
Related Answers
How do I access API docs?
I want to do some data processing on a document's content and generate htm...
Is Swagger API documentation free?
API software documentation is an essential part of your company's digit...
Who is Aloha POS owned by?
It all depends on what you want to do and how you want to go...