Technical Writing: How to Write API Software Documentation from Udemy

Are you a technical writer who must write API software documentation? Do you wonder what you need to prepare and deliver to have high-quality API documentation and do not know where to start?

If yes, then this course is for you.

For Technical Writers, by Technical Writers: Navigate the world of API software documentation effortlessly with our hands-on course designed for aspiring technical writers.

Global Impact: Trusted by universities across Europe and top software companies for onboarding new technical writers. Join a community shaping the future of technical writing.

Simplified Learning: Technical writing made easy. No programming jargon—just straightforward explanations to help you understand API and API documentation.

Practical Steps: Unlock our unique framework, guiding you through the process of preparing and delivering high-quality API documentation. From concept to creation, we've got you covered.

Tools of the Trade: Master Swagger UI for automatic documentation generation and learn Postman to validate API functionality. Bring it all together on a GitHub wiki page with confidence.

Important Notice for Students in India:In this course, we frequently use Stripe's API as an example. However, please note that Stripe services are invite-only in India. Due to this limitation, students located in India may not be able to fully experiment with the course examples involving Stripe and may be limited to observing the instructor's demonstrations.

Please consider this restriction before enrolling in the course.

Transform into a proficient API documentation writer:

Acquire practical skills for your writer's portfolio.
Impress managers and collaborate seamlessly with developers.
Elevate your technical writing career.

API stands for Application Programming Interface. An interface is a software abstraction, which allows two software applications to communicate with each other seamlessly.

There are two roles you need to consider when you write documentation about an API:

The role of the developer who created the API. This developer needs to provide information about the way the API is supposed to work; what requests can it receive and what responses does is provide.
The role of the developer who uses the API. This developer needs to read through the API documentation to understand the ways to connect to the API, the requests that he or she can send to the API, and the responses that the API shall return for these requests.

In this course, you will learn:

What is API and API documentation - explained in a way so that you can understand. No special programming knowledge is required.
The steps you need to follow to prepare and provide documentation about your API - our unique framework to make sure you have steps to follow while preparing the API documentation.
How to use Swagger UI to write and generate API documentation automatically.
How to use Postman to check the functionality provided with an API, and
How to put it all together on a GitHub wiki page.

Transform into a proficient API documentation writer with our course.

Acquire hands-on skills to craft compelling API documentation, a valuable addition to your writer's portfolio.

Impress not only your manager but also developers with your newfound ability to confidently create documentation for diverse software development projects.

Elevate your technical writing career by enrolling today. Try it now, and see how easy it is to write API documentation, once you know which are the basic steps to follow.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Slides Used in This Section

What will you learn?

What is an API?

Benefits from using an API

How does an API work?

Who creates API and API documentation?

What is an API documentation?

Types of APIs

Who reads API documentation?

API documentation - examples

API documentation framework

API documentation - structure

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Testing an API call

Writing API Documentation Using Swagger UI

Writing API documentation using Swagger UI

Agenda

What is Swagger?

Benefits from using Swagger for writing API documentation

Step 1: create new API

Demo

Step 2: create the API introductory page

Step 2.1: edit the API info

Sample introductory info

Step 2.2: edit the API contacts and links to further documentation

Sample contacts and documentation link

Step 3: define the tags of your API

Step 4: define the API operations and paths

Sample API operation and path

Step 5: document the API parameters

Sample parameters

Step 6: document the API responses

Sample response

Step 7: export the API documentation

Writing API Documentation Using Postman and GitHub Wiki Pages

Section introduction

What will you learn in this section?

Tools we will use

What's the story?

What is Postman?

Downloading and getting to know Postman

Using Postman, document the usage of the Stripe API

Step 2 - part 1

Step 2 - part 2

Step 4

Step 5

Bonus Section

A Recap

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a unique framework for preparing and delivering high-quality API documentation, which can help technical writers structure their work and ensure thoroughness

Trusted by universities and top software companies for onboarding new technical writers, suggesting a curriculum that meets industry standards and academic rigor

Teaches Swagger UI for automatic documentation generation, a valuable skill for technical writers looking to streamline their workflow and create interactive documentation

Uses Stripe's API as an example, but notes that Stripe services are invite-only in India, which may limit the ability of students in India to fully experiment with the examples

Covers Postman for validating API functionality, which is essential for technical writers to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the documentation they create

Guides learners through using GitHub wiki pages, which is a practical skill for hosting and sharing API documentation in a collaborative environment

Reviews summary

Api doc writing essentials

According to learners, this course provides a clear and straightforward introduction to API documentation, specifically for technical writers. Students appreciate the practical framework provided for structuring documentation and the hands-on modules covering essential tools like Swagger UI and Postman. While largely perceived as highly valuable for beginners and those new to API documentation, the explicit limitation regarding the Stripe API examples for students in India is noted.

Provides a structured approach.

"The step-by-step framework for preparing and delivering documentation is a valuable takeaway."

"Following the outlined steps makes the process much less intimidating."

"The course provides a solid structure that I can apply to future documentation projects."

Simplifies complex API concepts.

"The course explains what an API is in a way that is easy to understand, even without prior programming knowledge."

"It breaks down API concepts using straightforward language, which was very helpful."

"I finally understand the basics of how APIs work and why documentation is needed."

Hands-on practice with key tools.

"Learning how to use Swagger UI and Postman was incredibly useful for my job."

"The demos for setting up and using the tools were easy to follow and apply."

"Mastering Swagger UI for automated documentation generation was a course highlight."

Stripe API examples may not work.

"The course material mentions that the Stripe API examples may not be fully functional for students in India due to regional restrictions."

"Awareness of the Stripe API limitation for Indian students is important before enrolling."

"Students in India might only be able to observe demos involving the Stripe API, limiting hands-on practice for those specific examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Technical Writing: How to Write API Software Documentation with these activities:

Review API Fundamentals

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of APIs before diving into documentation. This will help you grasp the concepts more easily.

Browse courses on APIs

Show steps

Read introductory articles about APIs and their purpose.
Watch videos explaining how APIs work with real-world examples.
Take a short quiz to test your basic API knowledge.

Read 'RESTful Web APIs' by Leonard Richardson and Sam Ruby

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of RESTful API design principles. This will improve your ability to write effective API documentation.

View RESTful Web APIs: Services for a Changing World on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters on API design principles and documentation.
Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Reflect on how these principles apply to the APIs you will be documenting.

Practice with Swagger UI

Show steps

Reinforce your Swagger UI skills through hands-on practice. This will make you more efficient at generating API documentation.

Show steps

Experiment with different features and options.
Create a sample API definition using Swagger UI.
Export the API documentation in various formats.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Read 'The Product is Docs' by Splunk

Show steps

Understand the strategic importance of documentation in software development. This will help you advocate for better documentation practices.

View The Product is Docs: Writing technical... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters on documentation strategy and user experience.
Identify key takeaways that you can apply to your own work.
Discuss the book's ideas with your colleagues or classmates.

Write a blog post about API documentation best practices

Show steps

Solidify your knowledge by sharing your insights on API documentation. This will help you internalize the concepts and improve your communication skills.

Show steps

Research current best practices in API documentation.
Outline the key points you want to cover in your blog post.
Write a draft of your blog post.
Edit and revise your blog post for clarity and accuracy.
Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or your personal website.

Create a Postman collection for a public API

Show steps

Apply your Postman skills to document a real-world API. This will give you practical experience and a portfolio piece.

Show steps

Choose a public API to document.
Explore the API's documentation and endpoints.
Create a Postman collection with requests for each endpoint.
Add documentation to each request, including descriptions, parameters, and example responses.
Share your Postman collection with others.

Contribute to an open-source API documentation project

Show steps

Gain real-world experience by contributing to an open-source project. This will expose you to different documentation styles and workflows.

Show steps

Find an open-source project with an API that needs better documentation.
Review the project's documentation guidelines and contribution process.
Identify areas where you can improve the documentation.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Technical Writing: How to Write API Software Documentation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

API Writer

An API writer focuses specifically on creating documentation for APIs. These writers work closely with developers to understand the functionality of the API and then translate that information into clear and concise documentation for other developers to use. This course is designed to transform you into a proficient API documentation writer, making it incredibly relevant for this role. The course covers essential topics such as understanding APIs, using Swagger UI, and testing APIs with Postman. API writers, in particular, will find the unique framework for preparing API documentation invaluable.

See salaries and explore the career path for API Writer

Technical Writer

A technical writer creates documentation to help people understand and use complex products. This role involves writing clear and concise guides, manuals, and articles. This course directly addresses the core skills needed for a technical writer, particularly in the realm of API software documentation. The course provides a framework for preparing and delivering high-quality API documentation, which is a valuable skill for any technical writer. Expertise in tools like Swagger UI, Postman, and GitHub wiki pages, as taught in the course, allows the technical writer to create comprehensive and accessible documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

API Documentation Specialist

An API documentation specialist focuses specifically on creating and maintaining documentation for Application Programming Interfaces. These specialists ensure that developers can easily understand and use APIs. This course is tailored for aspiring API documentation specialists. The course provides a unique framework for preparing API documentation and covers essential tools like Swagger UI and Postman. By learning how to document API parameters, operations, and responses, as demonstrated in the course, the API documentation specialist can ensure the API is well-documented and user-friendly.

See salaries and explore the career path for API Documentation Specialist

Software Documentation Writer

Software documentation writers are responsible for creating and maintaining documentation for software applications. This includes user guides, API documentation, and other technical documents that help users understand and use the software. The course can elevate the career of any software documentation writer. The course offers hands-on skills to craft compelling API documentation. Learning how to use Swagger UI for automatic documentation generation and Postman to validate API functionality, as addressed in the course, will allow software documentation writer who takes this course to have great impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Documentation Writer

Technical Content Writer

A technical content writer specializes in creating technical documentation and content for a variety of industries. This often involves writing about software, hardware, or other technically complex subjects. The course is designed for aspiring technical writers, making it highly beneficial for those in or entering this field. The course provides a unique framework for preparing and delivering high-quality API documentation. Technical content writers can greatly benefit from the practical skills gained from this course, enabling them to produce clear, concise, and effective API documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Content Writer

Technical Communicator

Technical communicators create clear and concise documentation for complex technical products and services. This role involves understanding the needs of the audience and translating technical information into easily understandable language. This course provides direct value for technical communicators and their understanding of API software documentation. The course's framework for preparing and delivering high-quality API documentation assists technical communicators in producing accurate and helpful content. Moreover, mastering tools like Swagger UI and Postman, which the course covers, enhances the technical communicator's ability to create comprehensive documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Communicator

Documentation Engineer

Documentation engineers blend technical writing with engineering principles to create documentation for software and hardware products. This career requires a strong understanding of both the technical aspects of the product and the needs of the user. This course may be useful for those aspiring to be documentation engineers and who wish to specialize in API documentation. The course covers crucial aspects such as using Swagger UI for automatic documentation generation and Postman for validating API functionality, skills that are beneficial for a documentation engineer. Learning how to structure API documentation effectively, as taught during the course, is essential for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentation Engineer

Developer Advocate

Developer advocates work to build relationships with developers and promote the use of a company's APIs and tools. This role requires strong communication and technical skills, as well as the ability to understand the needs of developers. This course can be helpful to developer advocates who need to create documentation and tutorials for APIs. The course provides practical steps for preparing and delivering high-quality API documentation. The developer advocate can leverage that ability to better convey information. Learning how to use Swagger UI and Postman, as taught in the course, can also be helpful for developer advocates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Developer Advocate

API Consultant

An API consultant advises organizations on how to design, develop, and manage their APIs. This role requires a deep understanding of API technologies and best practices. This course may be useful for aspiring API consultants who want to specialize in API documentation. The course provides a framework for preparing and delivering high-quality API documentation. An API Consultant can use the framework to better advise their clients. Understanding the use of Swagger UI and Postman, as covered in the course, is also valuable for API consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for API Consultant

Content Developer

A content developer creates various types of content, including documentation, articles, and tutorials, to educate and engage users. This role requires excellent writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to understand technical concepts. This course may be helpful to content developers seeking to expand their knowledge in API documentation. The course provides practical steps for preparing and delivering high-quality API documentation. A content developer will benefit from the skills learned as they elevate the quality of their work. Understanding API structure and how to effectively communicate complex information, which is the focus of parts of the course, is highly relevant to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Developer

Instructional Designer

An instructional designer creates learning materials, such as online courses and training manuals, to help people learn new skills or knowledge. This role requires a strong understanding of instructional design principles and the ability to create engaging and effective learning experiences. This course may be helpful to instructional designers who create training materials for software developers or other technical professionals. The course covers how to document APIs, which will be great as foundational knowledge. Understanding how APIs work and how to document them effectively can inform the design of better instructional materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Information Architect

Information architects organize and structure information to make it easy to find and use. This role often involves designing website navigation, creating taxonomies, and developing content strategies. This course may be useful for information architects needing to organize and structure API documentation. The course teaches the structure of API documentation, which will be highly relevant. An understanding of Swagger UI and the way it organizes technical documentation can improve the information architect's skill set.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Content Strategist

Content strategists develop and implement strategies for creating, managing, and delivering content across various channels. This role requires a deep understanding of content marketing principles and the ability to align content with business goals. This course may be helpful for content strategists working in organizations that develop and use APIs. An understanding of API documentation and the needs of developers can inform the development of effective technical content strategies. The course will inform the content strategist of the best means of delivering documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Strategist

Implementation Consultant

Implementation consultants guide clients through the process of implementing new software or systems. They work closely with clients to understand their needs, configure the software, and provide training and support. This course will be useful for implementation consultants as they assist clients who use APIs. The course provides the context of needing to prepare and deliver high-quality API documentation. The implementation consultant can use Swagger UI and Postman to understand how to best serve their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Implementation Consultant

Solutions Architect

Solutions architects design and implement complex IT systems that meet the needs of an organization. This role requires a broad understanding of technology and the ability to work with stakeholders to define requirements and develop solutions. The course may be helpful for solutions architects who need to understand how APIs work and how to document them effectively. The course provides an understanding of the technical aspects of APIs and the needs of developers who use them. The solutions architect would understand the material in this course and be able to leverage that knowledge to produce better solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solutions Architect

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Technical Writing: How to Write API Software Documentation.

The Product is Docs

Save

Emphasizes the importance of documentation as a core part of the product experience. It provides practical advice on creating high-quality documentation that meets the needs of users. This book is particularly useful for understanding how to integrate API documentation into the overall product strategy. It is valuable as additional reading to expand on the course materials.

The Product is Docs: Writing technical...

Paperback

RESTful Web APIs

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to designing and documenting RESTful APIs. It covers the principles of REST, how to apply them in practice, and how to create clear and effective documentation. While not strictly necessary for the course, it offers valuable insights into API design that will enhance your understanding of API documentation. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.

RESTful Web APIs: Services for a Changing World

Paperback

RESTful Web APIs: Services for a Changing World

Kindle Edition

Technical Writing

How to Write API Software Documentation

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Api doc writing essentials

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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