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API Documentation Checklist
Overview
Provide a high-level description of what the API does.
Include the current version of the API.
Mention the audience for the API (e.g., public, internal, partners).
Getting Started
Detail the initial setup process for using the API.
Explain authentication and authorization procedures, including acquiring and using API keys.
Provide a simple 'Hello World' type example for quick testing.
Reference
List all available endpoints with their respective paths.
Document the request and response models for each endpoint, with field descriptions and types.
Describe error codes and messages that the API might return.
Guides and Examples
Offer step-by-step guides for common tasks or workflows using the API.
Include full request and response examples, preferably in multiple programming languages.
Provide real-world use cases or scenarios where the API can be applied.
Security and Authentication
Explain the security measures in place, such as HTTPS, to protect data in transit.
Detail any authentication methods supported (e.g., OAuth 2.0, API keys, JWT).
Warn about common security pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Rate Limits and Quotas
Describe the rate limits that apply to the API to prevent abuse.
Explain the consequences of exceeding rate limits and how to handle them.
Inform users about any quotas or limits on usage over a longer period.
Support and Community
Provide information on how to get support, such as contact details or a ticketing system.
Link to any official or unofficial community forums or discussion boards.
Mention any social media accounts or hashtags that are monitored for API-related discussions.
Versioning and Updates
Document the versioning strategy and how to specify the API version in requests.
Explain how deprecations and breaking changes are communicated to the users.
Provide a changelog with dates and descriptions of each version's changes.
