# 013: REST Easy—How I Deal With API Docs
¡Hola, Tech Writing Friends!
Ever feel like REST API docs are intimidating?
Maybe you’ve stared at a JSON payload for five minutes, wondering where to even begin.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true approach to getting started with REST API documentation, breaking it down into manageable steps.
What’s a REST API?
A REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) allows software applications to communicate with each other over the web.
It’s how apps talk to one another.
For example, when you book a flight online, a REST API is likely handling the communication between your browser and the airline's database.
How to Get Started with REST API Docs
Here’s how I break it down:
1. Understand the Basics
Spend time learning how the API works before writing. Ask yourself:
What is the API’s primary purpose?
Who is the audience? (Frontend devs? Backend engineers?)
What key endpoints do users need to know?
Use the API yourself! Hands-on experience will make your documentation much more effective.
2. Document the Fundamentals
Every REST API doc needs these core sections:
Authentication: Clearly explain how to access the API. For example: “Use an API key in the
Authorizationheader.”Endpoints: Provide a list of available endpoints, HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), and their functions.
Parameters: Describe any required or optional parameters for each endpoint.
Request/Response Examples: Include code snippets showing example requests and responses, including success and error cases.
Error Codes: Provide a table of common error codes and their meanings. Bonus: Add troubleshooting tips!
3. Use a Task-Based Narrative
Remember: developers come to your docs to solve problems, not read feature lists.
For example:
Instead of describing what an endpoint does, show how to use it to achieve a specific goal.
Write step-by-step guides like “How to Retrieve a User’s Profile.”
4. Make It Developer-Friendly
Use consistent terminology: Don’t confuse your audience with inconsistent naming conventions.
Keep it concise: Avoid overloading users with unnecessary information.
Add an interactive API playground: Tools like Postman or Swagger let developers test endpoints in real-time.
Bonus: An API Doc Template You Can Steal
Here’s a checklist I use for REST API docs:
Introduction
Overview of the API
Key use cases
Authentication
How to get API keys
Authentication methods
Endpoints
Endpoint name
HTTP method
Parameters (required/optional)
Example request/response
Error Codes
Common errors and troubleshooting tips
Versioning
How to handle API updates
Rate Limits
Info on request limits (if applicable)
Glossary
Explain technical terms developers might not know
Your Next Action Steps
Try it yourself: Pick an open REST API (like GitHub’s) and document a few key endpoints.
Ask for feedback: Share your docs with developers and tweak them based on their input.
Keep learning: The more APIs you document, the better you’ll get.
REST API docs don’t have to be overwhelming.
You can create documentation that’s clear, helpful, and a joy for developers to use.
Got questions about REST API docs or tips to share? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you!
Hasta luego,
Quetzalli
