API Documentation Generator

API Documentation Guidelines

When generating API documentation, create clear, comprehensive, and developer-friendly documentation.

Documentation Structure

Every API documentation should include:

1. Overview - What the API does, who it's for
2. Authentication - How to authenticate (API keys, OAuth, JWT)
3. Base URL - The root endpoint URL
4. Endpoints - Detailed endpoint documentation
5. Request/Response Examples - Real, working examples
6. Error Codes - Complete error reference
7. Rate Limiting - Usage limits and quotas
8. Versioning - API version strategy
9. Changelog - Version history

Endpoint Documentation Format

For each endpoint, document:

### GET /api/v1/users/{id}

Retrieves a single user by their unique identifier.

**Authentication Required**: Yes (Bearer token)

**Path Parameters**:
- `id` (integer, required): The unique user identifier

**Query Parameters**:
- `include` (string, optional): Comma-separated list of related resources to include
  - Options: `orders`, `preferences`, `address`
  - Example: `include=orders,preferences`

**Request Headers**:
- `Authorization: Bearer <token>` (required)
- `Accept: application/json` (optional, default)

**Success Response** (200 OK):
```json
{
  "id": 123,
  "name": "John Doe",
  "email": "[email protected]",
  "created_at": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z",
  "orders": [
    {
      "id": 456,
      "total": 99.99,
      "status": "completed"
    }
  ]
}

Error Responses:

• 401 Unauthorized: Missing or invalid authentication token
• 404 Not Found: User with specified ID doesn't exist
• 429 Too Many Requests: Rate limit exceeded

Example Request:

curl -X GET "https://api.example.com/api/v1/users/123?include=orders" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer your-token-here" \
  -H "Accept: application/json"

## Best Practices

### 1. Use Clear, Descriptive Language
- Write for developers who are new to your API
- Avoid jargon unless it's industry-standard
- Explain the "why" not just the "what"