How do you organize documentation for a large API with multiple resources and versions?

Question

Ravi Vishwakarma · Answer

Organizing documentation for a large API with multiple resources and versions requires a structured, scalable, and user-friendly approach. Here’s how to do it effectively:
1. Top-Level Structure by API Version
Create a clear versioning hierarchy:
/docs/
  ├── v1/
  ├── v2/
  └── v3/
Each version should have:
A changelogDeprecated/legacy notices (if any)Unique base URL if applicable
Example:
https://api.example.com/v1/
https://api.example.com/v2/
2. Group by Resource or Feature Domain
Within each version, organize endpoints by resource groups or
functional modules:
/v2/
  ├── authentication/
  ├── users/
  ├── posts/
  ├── comments/
  ├── analytics/
Each section should contain:
Overview of the resourceList of endpointsUse case examples
3. Sidebar or Navigation Menu
Use a persistent left-hand navigation menu for web-based docs:
Expandable sections for each resource groupClearly labeled versionsBreadcrumb navigation
4. Use Tabs or Toggle for Version Switching
Let users switch between versions of the same endpoint:
[ v1 | v2 | v3 ]
GET /users/{id}
Use visual cues (badges like “Deprecated”, “Beta”) to help users navigate the lifecycle.
5. Consistent Layout Per Endpoint
Maintain the same format across all endpoints:
HTTP method + URLDescriptionParameters (path, query, header, body)Request exampleResponse exampleError codes
6. Interactive Tools Per Version
Swagger/OpenAPI UI per versionPostman collections organized by version and feature
7. Dedicated Changelog and Migration Guides
List breaking changes per versionInclude upgrade paths and examples
8. Search and Filtering
Search by resource, keyword, or endpointFilters by version, method (GET/POST), or status (deprecated)
9. Authentication, Errors, and Common Concepts as Shared Pages
Avoid duplication—have shared reference docs:
/v2/
  ├── guides/
  │    ├── authentication.md
  │    ├── error-handling.md
  │    ├── rate-limiting.md
10. Collapsible Sections for Large Payloads
Use collapsible/expandable sections for:
JSON payloadsLong parameter listsMultiple examples (valid/invalid)
Bonus Tips
Use open standards like OpenAPI/SwaggerProvide downloadable API specs (YAML/JSON)Keep deprecated versions available but clearly marked

interview

How do you organize documentation for a large API with multiple resources and versions?

Ravi Vishwakarma

Can you answer this question?

1 Answers

1. Top-Level Structure by API Version

2. Group by Resource or Feature Domain

3. Sidebar or Navigation Menu

4. Use Tabs or Toggle for Version Switching

5. Consistent Layout Per Endpoint

6. Interactive Tools Per Version

7. Dedicated Changelog and Migration Guides

8. Search and Filtering

9. Authentication, Errors, and Common Concepts as Shared Pages

10. Collapsible Sections for Large Payloads

Bonus Tips

Liked By