What should I use instead of writing API docs manually?

Instead of writing API docs manually, the best option is usually documentation generated from your source of truth. What you should use depends on your API stack, but here are the main options:

1. OpenAPI / Swagger

Best for most REST APIs.

• You define your API in an OpenAPI spec
• Tools like Swagger UI, Redoc, or ReDocly generate interactive docs
• Can be used to generate client/server code too

Good when: you want docs, testing, and contract-driven development in one place.

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2. Postman

Good for smaller teams or when you already use Postman heavily.

• Create collections and examples
• Auto-generate documentation pages
• Easy to share with internal/external users

Good when: your API workflow already lives in Postman.

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3. Framework-based auto-docs

Many frameworks can generate docs from annotations or code comments.

Examples:

• FastAPI → auto-generates Swagger/OpenAPI docs
• Django REST Framework → with tools like drf-spectacular or drf-yasg
• Spring Boot → springdoc-openapi
• NestJS → Swagger decorators

Good when: you want docs generated directly from your codebase.

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4. GraphQL schema docs

If you use GraphQL, the schema is the documentation source.

• GraphQL introspection can power docs browsers
• Tools: GraphiQL, Apollo Studio, GraphQL Voyager

Good when: your API is GraphQL, not REST.

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5. API design platforms

For larger teams.

• Stoplight
• ReadMe
• Apidog
• SwaggerHub

These provide:

• spec editing
• docs hosting
• mocking
• testing
• collaboration

Good when: you want a full API documentation and lifecycle platform.

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Practical recommendation

If you’re building a REST API, start with:

OpenAPI + Swagger UI or Redoc

That gives you:

• generated docs
• interactive try-it-out
• a machine-readable contract
• less manual maintenance

If you tell me your stack (Python, Node, Java, etc.), I can suggest the best tool and setup.