Create API documentation with Docusaurus

Docusaurus makes it easy to build structured and user-friendly API documentation. The platform offers features to organize and present technical information in a way that both developers and other users appreciate.

Why use Docusaurus for API documentation?

Creating API documentation can be complex, but Docusaurus helps you keep things simple and organized. Here are a few benefits:

• Structured layout – Create hierarchical documents that are easy to navigate.
• Code blocks and syntax highlighting – Show API call examples with clearly highlighted code.
• Automation – Use plugins to generate API documentation from source code or OpenAPI specifications.

✏️ Tip: Integrate automated processes to keep the API documentation up to date without extra work.

Example: Documenting an API call

A common need in API documentation is to clearly describe how different calls work. With Docusaurus, you can combine tables, code blocks, and descriptive text to make information easily accessible. Here is an example of how you can document a simple API call:

Call

This call fetches information about a specific user based on the user’s unique ID.

GET /users/{id}

Parameter

Name	Type	Description
id	Integer	ID of the user to fetch.

Response

{
  "id": 1,
  "name": "Johan Andersson",
  "email": "johan.andersson@example.com"
}

With Docusaurus, you can add similar descriptions for each endpoint, making it easy for developers to understand and use your API. You can also extend this with React components to create interactive elements, such as buttons to copy code or testing tools directly in the documentation.

Automation with plugins

Docusaurus supports plugins that can generate API documentation automatically from, for example, an OpenAPI specification. This means your documentation is always current and correct, even when your API changes.

💡 Did you know? By using plugins, you can avoid manual work and instead let the tool generate documentation directly from your source code.

When should you use Docusaurus for API documentation?

✅ Perfect for technical teams – Where developers often need access to API documentation.
✅ Great for open source projects – Where it is important that documentation is accessible and easy to understand.
❌ Less ideal for – Projects that require real-time updates to API documentation directly on the site (without rebuilding it).

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