My answer is…
We need an API Documentation Standard.
Not just better docs or clearer errors an actual protocol/standard that every API should follow. Here’s what it should enforce:
1. Consistent Response Structure (Non-Negotiable)
Every endpoint returns the same format, every time, something like this can work:
{
"statusCode": 200,
"message": "Clear, actionable message",
"successful": true,
"data": {...}
}
Success or failure, 200 or 404, the structure never changes. No more hunting through result, payload, response, output, or whatever creative field name someone decided on that day.
2. Intelligent Error Messages
Error responses should include an AI validation layer that analyzes the error context and provides enhanced, actionable guidance. If the raw API error is cryptic, the AI layer interprets it based on the endpoint’s specs and returns something developers can actually use to fix the issue.
3. Conversational API Agent
Every API collection should come with a link to an integrated AI agent that has complete understanding of all endpoints. You should be able to ask:
-
“Where do I start with this API?”
-
“How do I authenticate?”
-
“What does this endpoint need in the request body?”
-
“Which endpoint’s response feeds into this one as a parameter?”
The agent maps endpoint relationships, provides real examples, explains which fields are required vs optional, and clarifies the relevance of each parameter. Basically, you’re talking to the API instead of decoding documentation. This should be possible to put together with RAG
4. Consistent Naming Conventions for every endpoint in the collection
Whether it’s REST, GraphQL, or something else naming should be consistent across the entire collection. If you use userId in one endpoint, don’t switch to user_id or UserID in another. Another example would be getAllUsers for this and not switching to fetchAllOrders for another. Consistency is the keyword, API should be predictable and remain predictable.
5. Built In Support Channels
Valid contact information for support must be included in the documentation. Though honestly, if the standard is followed properly, you shouldn’t need to contact anyone.
APIs don’t need to do more. They need to be predictably structured, intelligently documented, and genuinely conversational. An API Documentation Standard makes APIs easier to adopt, faster to integrate, and less frustrating to debug.
We shouldn’t have to think too much about how someone decided to structure their responses. There should be a standard, and everyone should follow it.
), but it does mean the same effect on the data.
