What is the main purpose of API documentation?

The main purpose of API documentation is to provide guidelines for developers on how to effectively use the API. This involves detailed instructions on the functionality, methods, parameters, and return types associated with the API, as well as examples of typical use cases. Good API documentation acts as a vital resource, ensuring that developers can integrate the API into their applications efficiently and understand the expectations and behavior of the API.

While educating end-users on product use is essential, this is typically covered in user manuals or help sections rather than API documentation, which is aimed specifically at developers. Marketing the API to potential clients may involve other materials focused on features and benefits rather than the technical specifics. Offering troubleshooting assistance is also important but tends to be a component of support documentation rather than the primary purpose of API documentation itself. Hence, the core focus remains on providing comprehensive and clear guidance to developers for utilizing the API optimally.