Markdown is widely used for API documentation because it is clean, portable, and easy to maintain.
Although dedicated API tools provide additional features, many projects still use Markdown to explain endpoints, request formats, authentication, and response examples.
When Should You Use This Example?
This format works well for:
- REST APIs
- Internal APIs
- Backend services
- Developer documentation
- Software libraries
Markdown Code
# User API
## Base URL
https://api.example.com
## Authentication
Include your API key in every request.
## Get All Users
### Request
GET /users
### Response
Status: 200 OK
Returns a list of users.
## Create User
### Request
POST /users
### Required Fields
- name
- email
- password
### Response
Status: 201 Created
Returns the newly created user.
Organizing API Documentation
As your API grows, separate endpoints into their own sections.
For example:
Authentication
Users
Products
Orders
Payments
Webhooks
Errors
This structure makes it much easier for developers to find the endpoint they're looking for.
Include Practical Examples
Whenever possible, show readers how an API is actually used.
Instead of only listing an endpoint, provide a request example.
For example:
GET /users
Response
200 OK
[
{
"id": 1,
"name": "John"
}
]
Examples reduce confusion and help developers integrate your API more quickly.
Explain Every Parameter
If an endpoint accepts parameters, explain what each one does.
Instead of writing:
GET /users?id=10
Provide additional information:
| Parameter |
Description |
| id |
Returns the user with the specified ID |
| page |
Displays a specific page of results |
| limit |
Limits the number of returned records |
This saves developers from guessing how your API works.
Keep API Documentation Updated
API documentation should always match the current version of the application.
Whenever an endpoint changes, review:
- URLs
- Parameters
- Request examples
- Response examples
- Authentication instructions
- Error messages
Outdated API documentation often causes more problems than missing documentation.
๐ก Pro tip: Keep request and response examples short and realistic. Readers usually understand a simple working example much faster than a long technical explanation.