How to Write API Documentation | Tips & AI Tools

API documentation is one of the most important forms of technical writing—it provides the instructions developers need to “talk” with an existing software system (i.e., send and receive data). Without clear API documentation, it becomes extremely difficult for developers to connect to your software via an API.

Writing API documentation can be a pain—striking the right balance between detail and readability and anticipating your user’s needs take time and effort that could be better spent elsewhere. Fortunately, tools like QuillBot’s free AI API Documentation Generator make API documentation a breeze.

Read on to learn more about how to create API documentation quickly and effectively.

How to write API documentation

When writing API documentation, it’s critical to keep your user in mind. What will other developers be using your API for, and what information do they need to do this effectively? Consider the following three tips as you get started.

1. Lead with a “quick start” guide

A busy developer wants instant gratification. Don’t make them read through your entire document before they send their first request. Start by providing a simple example or copy-paste code snippet that lets them get a basic response (think “Hello World”) in under five minutes. An early success will motivate them to keep using your product.

2. Use consistent naming and formatting

Complexity is the enemy of good documentation. Ensure that you’re using consistent terminology throughout the various sections of your document to avoid confusing your user. AI tools like QuillBot’s API Document Generator can help you catch any inconsistencies and simplify your instructions.

3. Document the errors as well as the successes

Errors are a pain—and not knowing why they’re happening is even worse. In your API documentation, be sure to provide troubleshooting advice for when things go wrong. List common error codes and provide the steps needed to fix them. Putting yourself in the shoes of a naive user, try to anticipate where they might make mistakes and what can get them back on track.

Using an API documentation generator

QuillBot’s AI API Documentation Generator can provide you with a framework for your API documentation with just the click of the button. This AI tool takes a description of your software and transforms it into clear, readable documentation.

The example below shows what the generator created from the simple prompt “API documentation for user authentication and token refresh workflow.”

API documentation generator output

Another great feature of this tool is that it allows you to adjust and refine the output, ensuring that you can create the best possible documentation with ease.

Frequently asked questions about API documentation

What is an API?

An API, or “Application Programming Interface,” is a set of rules that lets one software application talk to another (i.e., send and receive data).

For example, consider the weather app on your phone. This app is not directly connected to a weather station; instead, it collects data from a weather database maintained by a third party—and an API is what lets your weather app exchange information with this database.

When creating an API, documentation is paramount. QuillBot’s free AI API Documentation Generator simplifies this process, saving you time and effort.

What is API documentation?

API (application programming interface) documentation is an instruction manual for software developers using an API. It explains how to “talk” to a software system, providing information on what questions can be asked, how to format them, and what kind of data to expect in return.

It’s critical to create API documentation that is clear and comprehensive. Simplify this process with QuillBot’s free AI API Documentation Generator.

What does a technical writer do?

A technical writer creates clear, accurate, and user-friendly documentation that helps people understand and use products, systems, or services.

Technical writing is the process of translating complex technical information into content that’s easy for the target audience to understand and act on.

To learn more about what a technical writer does, ask QuillBot’s AI Chat.