How can you document API versioning effectively?

1 Why document API versioning?

Documenting API versioning is important for several reasons. First, it helps your users understand what features and parameters are available for each version of your API and how to use them correctly. Second, it helps you track the history and progress of your API development and avoid breaking changes or conflicts. Third, it helps you comply with industry standards and best practices for API documentation, such as OpenAPI Specification or API Blueprint.

2 How to choose an API versioning scheme?

There are different ways to implement API versioning, such as using URL paths, query parameters, headers, or media types. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your use case and preferences. For example, URL paths are easy to read and write, but they can clutter your API endpoints and affect SEO. Query parameters are flexible and unobtrusive, but they can be overlooked or misused by users. Headers and media types are more robust and standardized, but they require more configuration and testing. You should choose an API versioning scheme that suits your needs and goals, and document it clearly and consistently in your documentation.

3 How to document API version changes?

One of the main challenges of documenting API versioning is how to inform your users about the changes that occur between different versions of your API. You should provide a clear and concise changelog that summarizes the main differences and updates for each version, such as new features, deprecated or removed features, bug fixes, or performance improvements. You should also indicate the date and status of each version, such as beta, stable, or retired. You should make your changelog accessible and visible in your documentation, and link it to the relevant sections of your API reference.

4 How to document API version compatibility?

Another challenge of documenting API versioning is how to ensure that your users can access and use the appropriate version of your API for their applications. You should provide a clear and consistent way to specify the version of your API in your requests and responses, using the method you chose for your API versioning scheme. You should also document the compatibility and support policies for your API versions, such as how long they will be maintained, what are the minimum requirements, and how to migrate to newer versions. You should also provide examples and tutorials that demonstrate how to use different versions of your API in common scenarios.

5 How to document API version deprecation?

Sometimes, you may need to deprecate or retire some versions of your API, either because they are outdated, insecure, or incompatible with your current standards. You should document the deprecation process and timeline for your API versions, and communicate it to your users in advance. You should also provide clear and actionable guidance on how to upgrade to newer versions of your API, and what are the benefits and risks of doing so. You should also implement and document the deprecation warnings and errors that your API will return when users try to access deprecated versions, and how to handle them.

6 How to document API version testing?

The last but not least challenge of documenting API versioning is how to ensure that your documentation is accurate and up-to-date for each version of your API. You should test your documentation regularly and thoroughly, using tools and methods that can verify and validate your API requests and responses, such as Postman, Swagger, or Dredd. You should also document the testing process and results for your API versions, and how to report and resolve any issues or discrepancies. You should also solicit and incorporate feedback from your users and stakeholders, and update your documentation accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?