Creating API Documentation: Apidog V.S. Postman

As backend developers, we often face the challenge of documenting our APIs effectively. Clear documentation not only helps us maintain our APIs but also aids other developers in understanding how to use them. In this post, we’ll compare two popular tools for generating API documentation: Apidog and Postman. We’ll walk through how to create documentation with each tool and highlight their key differences in usage.

Generating API Documentation with Postman

Postman is a widely used API testing tool that also includes features for creating API documentation. Here’s how you can generate documentation using Postman:

Step 1: Create a Collection:

• Start by organizing your API requests into a collection. Each request can represent an endpoint, and you can group related endpoints together for clarity.

• For each request in the collection, add a detailed description. This can include information about request parameters, headers, expected responses, and any other relevant details. Good descriptions are key to effective documentation.

Step 2: Create the API Documentation:

• Once your endpoint details are complete, click on the “Documentation” tap. Add a description, including details about the endpoint, parameters, headers, and sample responses.

• Save changes when it is done.

Step 3: Generate and View Documentation in Postman

• Go to your collection.
• Click the ... (three dots) menu next to your collection.

• Select View Documentation. This will open the documentation view within Postman.

Generating API Documentation with Apidog

Apidog is a dedicated all-in-one API development platform that simplifies the process of creating and managing API documentation. Here’s how to generate documentation using Apidog:

Step 1: Define Your API:

• Start by defining your API using Apidog’s intuitive interface. You can specify endpoints, request methods, parameters, and response schemas.

Step 2: Auto-Generate Documentation:

• Apidog automatically generates documentation as you define your API. This ensures that your documentation is always up-to-date with the latest changes. Clicking Save when all the API details are finished will generate the API documentation automatically.

Step 3: Customize Your Documentation:

• Apidog offers extensive customization options. You can format your documentation, add rich text descriptions, and include code snippets to enhance clarity and usability.

Step 4: Collaborate and Share:

• Apidog supports real-time collaboration, allowing team members to contribute to documentation simultaneously. Once ready, you can publish your documentation online and share it with stakeholders.

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Key Features of Apidog Documentation:

• Automatic Generations: When you finish defining API specifications at Apidog’s visual dashboard, clicking on Save generates the API documentation automatically.
• Automatic Updates: Documentation updates in real-time as the API definition changes.
• Rich Customization: Tailor the appearance and content of your documentation to suit your team’s needs.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Work together with your team to refine and improve documentation.

Usage Differences Between Apidog and Postman

While both Apidog and Postman serve the purpose of API documentation, they cater to different developer needs and workflows. Here are the key differences:

User Experience

Postman:

• Best known for API testing, Postman can feel overwhelming for new users due to its wide array of features. The process of documenting APIs requires manual input, which can lead to discrepancies if not updated consistently.

Apidog:

• Designed specifically for API development, Apidog offers a more straightforward user experience. Its automatic documentation generation ensures that your documentation is always in sync with your API, reducing the manual workload.

Pro tip: In addition to automatic documentation, Apidog excels in API testing and mocking, providing developers with a comprehensive toolkit for their API lifecycle.

Collaboration

Postman:

• While Postman supports team collaboration through shared workspaces, real-time editing features are limited. Team members can comment on requests, but simultaneous edits aren’t possible.

Apidog:

• Apidog excels in collaborative environments, allowing multiple users to work on documentation at the same time. This feature enhances team efficiency, especially in larger projects.

Customization

Postman:

• Customization options in Postman are somewhat limited. While you can add descriptions and examples, the overall look and feel of the documentation are predefined.

Apidog:

• Apidog provides extensive customization capabilities, allowing teams to create documentation that aligns with their branding and documentation standards. This flexibility can improve user engagement with the documentation.

Conclusion

Both Apidog and Postman offer valuable tools for generating API documentation, but they cater to different needs and workflows.

• Choose Postman if you already use it for API testing and prefer writing the documentation manually. It’s a great choice for teams that value interactivity and integration with testing.
• Opt for Apidog if you’re looking for a dedicated platform focused on API development with an all-in-one solution. Its automatic updates, rich customization options, and collaborative features make it an excellent choice for teams that prioritize seamless documentation management.

Ultimately, the right tool will depend on your specific workflow, team size, and documentation needs. By understanding the strengths of each tool, you can enhance your API documentation process and improve collaboration within your development team.