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So, build an amazing API, but if your documentation reads like a tax book, even the bravest developers will run away. Or worse, incomplete or flawed…oops!
Clear and concise API documentation is the foundation of a successful developer experience, and demonstrates your business’s technical expertise. Having well-written applications allows your users to interact with your API easily, saving them time and frustration. Here at Ayrshare, we understand the importance of effective communication, and that includes creating stellar developer API documentation. For example, check out our public API documentation.
In this article we will go into 5 key tips to ensure that your API request documentation is of the highest quality:
1. Provide an API Overview
Kick things off by giving a clear vision of your API. This includes:
- Define the purpose and key features of your API; explaining why this API exists can be your best sales page.
- Explain the main points and their functions; include a table of contents so your readers can quickly scan to access the repository.
- Include any architectural or design principles; this is where you can define your philosophy.
- Explain how authentication works; how your users can access the API, eg, API keys, OAuth, and how to get credentials.
2. Clear Words and Definitions
Aim for short descriptions that simply explain the functionality of the application. Avoid overly technical language and put user understanding first. For example, the Ayrshare request “GET User Profile Details” clearly conveys its purpose, which is to find all profiles associated with the main profile.
HTTP Method and Endpoint
It is very important to display the endpoint called the HTTP method used.
In this example we specify in green the HTTP path of the POST and the URL of the destination.
For PUT and POST requests, carefully structure the document structure. Define property names, data types (string, boolean), and their intended purpose within an application. Specify acceptable values for constrained properties. For example, Ayrshare’s “Create User Profile” request specifies that the “subject” field is a mandatory string, while “disableSocial” is an optional list of values where the script lists all available social networks.
Navigating the API can be difficult for end users, so don’t be afraid to talk through examples.
We recommend:
- An action-oriented composition process is used to get the final point. We like the HTTP method to be the action of the endpoint. For example SEND /posts or GET /stats.
- Using HTTP methods correctly, such as understanding the difference between PATCH and PUT.
Guideline Warnings and Limits of Rate
Important warnings
Use headings such as “Important” or “Warning” or similar icons to draw attention to important information within documents. This ensures that users do not miss important information. As an example, Ayrshare’s “Update User” request states: “Google limits updating some Google Business Profile location fields to 5 updates within a 24-hour period.”
API Rate Limits
Every API has, or should have, level limits. These restrictions ensure the stability of the system and protect against malicious or unscrupulous players. For example, you rarely want to allow a user to make the same API call 100K times per minute – as that is often an error. This number of calls may put a strain on your system or incur significant costs for you and your user.
Assuming you have set rate limits and are returning valid 429 HTTP responses, you must provide the rate limit details. And be sure to add API rate limit expectations to your terms and conditions, such as a fair use policy.
3. Examples of Detailed Requests and Responses
API requests
Great, I know the API specification, but how do I actually use it? Code examples! And not just one coding language, but as many as possible to support. For example, Ayrshare offers five language examples, such as cURL, Node.js, Python, PHP, and C#.
These examples of API calls should demonstrate the basic calls so that the user can get started. Avoid adding every parameter because it is confusing and difficult to remove for first-time users; save those complex examples for other sections of the documentation. And if you really want to enable your users, provide a Postmanv file with all the endpoint requests. Our users love the Postman JSON file to get started quickly.
What if you lack other languages, like Java or Ruby? We usually recommend our users to use the power of AI, such as ChatGPT or Claude AI. Both do an excellent job of translating from one programming language to another. And Postman has an excellent auto code generator.
API responses
The sample responses serve as a launching pad for successful API interactions. Include at least one example of a successful response (2XX), and error responses (eg, 4XX or 5XX codes) to help troubleshoot the problem. For example, the Ayrshare documentation provides an example response to a “Send a Comment” request, showing the data structure that users can expect from a successful creation and what to expect in two different error scenarios.
These sample answers also show your skills. As examples, our public analytics API endpoint provides a wealth of insight data, and often prospective users doing research are impressed by the breadth of data available.
Finally, make sure to explain each data point returned if it’s not clear – we add comments to the JSON response examples. The more information you provide, the easier time your users have.
4. Provide Guidelines and Scholarships
Written tutorials and guides are essential for developers trying to use your API. And you know what’s better? Video tutorial! Be sure to post these videos on YouTube to get more SEO reach.
- Enter the “Quick Start” guide. This is where most people start.
- Create tutorials and guides for the most common use cases. Once your users find your API with rare user scenarios they will be able to use it with endpoint examples.
- Provide code snippets and SDKs in popular languages. Code snippets can be collected from the API cookbook. Here are the SDKs we offer, and are the most popular for developers although some wrap API calls.
5. Notifying Developers of Changes
Withdrawal
When withdrawing a request or data field, clearly mark it as “deprecated” within the documentation. Consider providing a link to your updated partner for a smooth transition. For example, Ayrshare has deprecated the “shareUrl” field for TikTok history. The documentation clearly states this and provides details on using the “postUrl” field instead.
What is the New Section
And don’t forget to create a “What’s New” section where you highlight all the great new features you’ve released. It’s a great opportunity to show off all the new offerings, and developers step in at this stage to make sure your API is still working.
Here’s Ayrshare What’s New including a monthly podcast that reviews all the new features.
We find that having good documentation is one of the pillars of our clients’ success. By following these API docs tips, you can create API docs that not only serve as a reference but also support and guide developers in using your API effectively. Remember, good documentation is an ongoing process – keep refining and improving based on user needs and feedback.
