Swagger Documentation for REST APIs

Introduction

• Swagger is an open source API documentation framework.
• Crucial for both front-end developers integrating backend REST endpoints and backend developers documenting their APIs.

What is Swagger?

• Definition: An open source framework for documenting REST APIs or endpoints.
• Provides an HTML view of API documentation with JSON support.
• Includes detailed information on HTTP methods.
• In complex enterprise applications, numerous REST endpoints are developed over time.
• Good documentation is essential for easy integration of these endpoints into applications.

Why API Documentation is Necessary

• REST APIs are designed for use in apps (mobile, web).
• Backend API developers or full-stack developers own the APIs.
• Frontend teams integrate these APIs into applications.
• APIs form data contracts between development and integration teams.
• Proper documentation answers key questions:
  • What methods to call?
  • What endpoints to call?
  • What data to pass?

Key Information Provided by Swagger Documentation

• Endpoint URLs
• Methods to be used when calling endpoints
• Data to be passed to endpoints
• Mandatory and optional parameters for each endpoint
• Whether authentication is required for the endpoints

How Swagger Works

• Swagger allows the creation of API documentation.
• Swagger UI is used to create a set of rules or specifications for describing REST APIs.
• These rules may vary but generally follow a standard format:
  • Exposing the endpoint
  • The method used
  • Parameters (mandatory and optional)
• Provides an easy way to share API documentation among developers, product managers, and QA teams.

Benefits of Swagger Documentation

• Without documentation, understanding endpoints and their functions becomes a difficult task.
• Facilitates easier integration and understanding of APIs.