API documentation is more than just a technical reference: interface documentation is a key driver for streamlined, successful business integrations, as it shapes our shared mental models, and takes user experience all the way to faultless automated performance. With APIs channeling digital business, comprehensive and concise documentation can mean the difference between widespread adoption or frustrated developers abandoning a product.
In this article, we are sharing a curated collection of courses, blogs, and events to support documentarians at every stage of their journey. Whether you are a newcomer lost in the maze of resources, or a technical writing expert looking to stay up-to-date with the latest industry events, our list has got you covered.
What is API documentation?
API documentation, at an entry level, is listing the endpoints, request and response formats, and error messages. That is the basics, besides stellar API design, of course. However, where you want to get to is great API documentation: an ecosystem for your business that empowers all users to understand, evaluate, build and maintain integrations with APIs in a confident way.
While this is the shortest answer we can give, the Pronovix blog has extensive resources on all aspects API documentation, including the business aspects, and we also recommend our latest white paper that helps you address your new user: AI.
Why API Documentation Matters
It is an old IT joke that the world is running on data tables. The digital reality is that our interconnectedness is effectively running through APIs and microservices. The demand is growing for experienced professionals who can effectively communicate complex technical information and its use cases. Whether you are a writer looking to get fluent in API docs, or a software developer aiming to improve your documentation skills, an educated confidence and critical awareness in API documentation methods and orchestration will serve you well.
Effective API documentation is a competitive advantage. It influences developer experience, adoption rates, and the long-term success of an API program. When an API is well-documented, developers can onboard quickly, which reduces friction and accelerates integration.
As LLMs and, increasingly, genAI agents are integrated into software development workflows, high-quality and AI-ready API documentation is once again in the focus. LLMs rely on structured, semantically rich documentation to provide accurate guidance to developers building API integrations. By maintaining clear, concise, and up-to-date documentation, businesses ensure that both human developers and AI-augmented tools can interpret and implement APIs correctly.
Recommended, free online API Documentation Resources
The Good Docs Project
An open source community helping people create better documentation through shared tools, best practices, and resources. You will find dozens of high-quality, peer-reviewed templates, comprising software and community documentation packs to help you create great docs. Notably, find here documentation templates for contributions and community needs!
Best for: Free-to-use templates on the fundamental content types that every OS documentation project needs.
Key topics: Open Source, Documentation Templates
Website: https://thegooddocsproject.dev
Tom Johnson’s API Documentation Course
Tom Johnson’s course, “Documenting APIs: A guide for technical writers and engineers”, is one of the best and most methodical free resources available for self-education. It covers everything from API concepts to OpenAPI specifications and best practices for writing API documentation.
Best for: Beginners and intermediate technical writers
Key topics: REST APIs, docs-as-code, OpenAPI, technical communication, code tutorials
Website: https://idratherbewriting.com/learnapidoc/
Diátaxis by Daniele Procida
Diátaxis is a systematic framework for technical documentation authoring. Its approach to information architecture and content is “informed by an understanding of the needs of users in their cycle of interaction with a product, or their practice in a craft”.
Best for: Learning a comprehensive approach to documentation that rests on a robust theoretical framework
Key topics: Tutorials, how-to guides, explanation, reference
Website: https://diataxis.fr/
API the Docs Conference and Podcast
A premier conference series dedicated to API documentation and developer portals. It offers a wealth of insights through its recorded talks and podcasts, making it an invaluable resource for technical writers seeking to enhance their skills. Presenters often share candid insights and firsthand experiences you cannot learn from books.
Best for: Learning from real examples of API documentation challenges and solutions across industries
Key topics: AI and doc automation, DX, structured content, API discoverability, platform thinking
Website: https://apithedocs.org/
The Cherryleaf Blog
With decades of experience in technical writing, Cherryleaf is a trusted and authentic source of information in the community. Their blog posts cover recent trends in the space and deep dives into evergreen topics, as well.
Best for: Deepening technical writing expertise with insights into current trends
Key topics: Technical communication, AI in technical writing, policies and procedures
Website: https://www.cherryleaf.com/blog/
Fabrizio Ferri Benedetti’s Blog on API Documentation
Fabrizio Ferri Benedetti’s blog is a go-to destination for industry insights served with a dash of humor that makes for an enjoyable and informative read. The blog delivers a refreshing perspective on recent trends, as well as best practices and personal stories about technical writing as a career.
Best for: Writers looking for practical tips and industry insights
Key topics: Technical writing resources, emerging trends, AI in technical writing
Website: https://passo.uno/
Chris Chinchilla’s Chinchilla Squeaks
Chris Chinchilla’s blog goes all the way back to 2002. In his posts, he often explores the intersection of technology, storytelling, and community-building, with a focus on simplifying complex topics for diverse audiences.
Best for: Actionable and well-informed takes on current trends in tech
Key topics: Technical writing, Kubernetes, Open-source
Website: https://chrischinchilla.com/blog/
The Developer Portal Awards
Benchmarking program and innovation spotlights on developer portals, annual awards with a cross-discipline, industry- and vendor-neutral perspective. How do you best organize documentation for a large portfolio of APIs? What are the best onboarding documentation practices? Best practice examples on documentation beyond REST APIs.
Best for: Case studies of award-winning portals, with strong focus on business enablement documentation
Key topics: DX, Business Impact, Complexity management
Website: https://devportalawards.org/insights
What type of learning are you looking for?
|
Type of Learning |
Resources |
Best Suited For |
| Conceptual frameworks | Diátaxis (diataxis.fr) | Understanding documentation types, structure, and strategy |
| Cherryleaf Blog (cherryleaf.com) | Deep dives into communication theory, policy, and content design | |
| Structured courses (self-paced) | Tom Johnson’s API Documentation Course (idratherbewriting.com) | Step-by-step learning, especially for REST APIs, OpenAPI, docs-as-code, and tools |
| Write the Docs Documentation Guide (writethedocs.org/guide) | Introductory material and general tech writing guidance | |
| Practical & collaborative templates | The Good Docs Project (thegooddocsproject.dev) | Applying templates to real scenarios and collaborating on standards and best practices |
| Community & real-world sharing | API the Docs Podcast & Talks (apithedocs.org) | Staying current with industry trends and real-world business case studies |
| Write the Docs Conference Videos (writethedocs.org/conf) | Talks from practitioners addressing their documentation challenges | |
| Reflective tech writing blogs | Fabrizio Ferri Benedetti’s Blog (passo.uno) | Reflections on writing practice, AI, and the role of storytelling in documentation |
| Chris Chinchilla’s Blog (chrischinchilla.com) | Intersections of open source, developer culture, and current tech trends | |
| Case study / portfolio review | Developer Portal Awards (devportalawards.org) | Exploring high-quality developer portals for inspiration and benchmarking |
Join us at the AI The Docs conference to learn more about the intersection of agentic AI and API documentation.
All Pronovix publications are the fruit of a team effort, enabled by the research and collective knowledge of the entire Pronovix team. Our ideas and experiences are greatly shaped by our clients and the communities we participate in.
