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Python API documentation best practices

Master Python API documentation with proven best practices. Create clear, comprehensive API docs that developers love to use.

API documentation example
Best practices

Essential Python API documentation practices

Follow these proven practices to create API documentation that developers love.

1.Document all endpoints

List HTTP methods, paths, and clear descriptions for each endpoint.

GET /api/users/{id}

2.Detail request parameters

Specify data types, requirements, and validation rules.

id: integer (required)

3.Show response examples

Include success and error responses with status codes.

200 OK · 404 Not Found

4.Explain authentication

Document auth methods and required headers clearly.

Authorization: Bearer <token>

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5.Document errors

List error codes with descriptions and solutions.

{"error"}: "Invalid token"

6.Specify rate limits

Communicate usage limits and quotas clearly.

X-RateLimit: 1000/hour

7.Provide code examples

Include ready-to-run examples in multiple languages.

fetch('/api/users')

8.Version your API

Document versioning strategy and migration guides.

/api/v1/users

Want to learn more? Check out our guide on technical documentation best practices

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What should API documentation include?

API documentation should include endpoints, request/response examples, authentication methods, error codes, rate limits, and getting started guides.

How do I keep API documentation up to date?

Use automated tools that generate docs from code, implement versioning, and establish a review process whenever API changes are made.

What makes API documentation developer-friendly?

Clear examples, interactive testing, consistent formatting, search functionality, and comprehensive error handling documentation make APIs easy to use.

Related resources

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