Documentation template

API documentation

Give developers a working first request, then the reference and failure modes they need.

nav.yaml
01Introduction
02Authentication
03Quickstart
04Endpoints
05Errors
06Webhooks
07Changelog

What this structure is for

Give developers a working first request, then the reference and failure modes they need. Start with the smallest path that gets a reader to a result, then add reference and recovery material around it.

How to use it

  1. Replace every generic noun with the language your customers use.
  2. Give each page one job and one clear next step.
  3. Name an owner and review interval for facts that change.
  4. Publish early, then use search and feedback to find the gaps.

Page-by-page writing brief

Authentication

Get a credential into a safe, working request.

Include: Credential creation, scopes, headers, storage guidance, expiry, and revocation.

Quickstart

Return one successful response with minimal setup.

Include: Prerequisites, a copyable request, sample response, and the next useful call.

Endpoints

Describe behavior precisely enough to integrate.

Include: Method, path, parameters, examples, response schema, permissions, and limits.

Errors

Turn a failed request into a safe next action.

Include: Status, error shape, causes, retry behavior, request IDs, and support path.

Webhooks

Deliver events reliably and verify their origin.

Include: Event catalog, signature verification, ordering, retries, and idempotency.
Use this template

Start with the docs you already have

Beautiful docs are easy.
Keeping them accurate is the hard part.