API Documentation Audit Checklist

A step-by-step checklist to evaluate your API documentation. Score yourself across 20 critical criteria.

What's Inside

01Authentication & Security

  • Auth setup documented within first 3 clicks
  • Complete working example with auth headers
  • Token format clearly explained
  • Token expiration and refresh covered

02Getting Started Experience

  • Time to first API call under 15 minutes
  • Quickstart guide prominently linked
  • No registration required to view docs
  • Sandbox/test environment available

03Code Examples

  • Examples in 3+ languages
  • All examples are copy-paste ready
  • Placeholder values clearly marked
  • Examples tested and working

04Error Handling

  • All error codes documented
  • Error response format explained
  • Troubleshooting guide available
  • Support channel clearly indicated

05Reference Documentation

  • All endpoints documented
  • Request/response schemas complete
  • Required vs optional params clear
  • Rate limits documented

Scoring System

0-7
Critical Gaps
8-14
Needs Work
15-20
Strong Docs
PDF

audit-checklist.pdf

2 pages • 145 KB

Get the Full Checklist

Download the printable PDF with all 20 checkboxes, scoring guide, and action planning template.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Used by API teams at startups and enterprises

Want More Than a Checklist?

Book a free audit call and I'll review your documentation with you live—identifying gaps and prioritizing what to fix first.

Book Free Audit