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API Documentation Generation

? API Documentation Generation

? Quick Overview

API documentation explains how developers can use an API. Postman allows automatic generation of clean, interactive API documentation directly from collections, requests, examples, and descriptions.

? Key Concepts

  • Postman Collections
  • Request & Response Examples
  • Auto-generated Docs
  • Environment Variables
  • Public & Private Publishing

? Syntax / Theory

Postman generates documentation by reading metadata from requests such as method, URL, headers, body, tests, and saved examples. Descriptions written in Markdown are rendered automatically.

? Code Example(s)

? View Code Example 
// Sample API request documented in Postman
GET https://api.example.com/users
Headers:
Authorization: Bearer {{token}}
? View Code Example 
// Example test script used for documentation samples
pm.test("Status code is 200", function () {
pm.response.to.have.status(200);
});

? Live Output / Explanation

Generated Documentation Includes:

  • Endpoint URL and method
  • Request headers and body
  • Sample responses
  • Status codes
  • Description and usage notes

? Interactive Example / Visual Flow

Collection → Add Descriptions → Save Examples → Publish Docs → Share Link

? Documentation Preview Simulator

Enter request details below to see how Postman would format them.

 

? Use Cases

  • Public API documentation for developers
  • Internal team API references
  • Client-facing API portals
  • Testing + documentation together

✅ Tips & Best Practices

  • Write clear Markdown descriptions for every request
  • Always save example responses
  • Use environments for cleaner docs
  • Group endpoints logically in folders

? Try It Yourself

  1. Create a Postman collection
  2. Add at least 3 API requests
  3. Write descriptions for each request
  4. Save response examples
  5. Publish documentation and share the link