API Documentation
Writing API Documentation for Error Handling and Debugging
This prompt helps engineering teams create detailed documentation for API error handling and debugging. It focuses on explaining error codes, providing troubleshooting guidance, and enabling developers to resolve issues efficiently.
Responsible:
Engineering/IT
Accountable, Informed or Consulted:
Engineering, Product
THE PREP
Creating effective prompts involves tailoring them with detailed, relevant information and uploading documents that provide the best context. Prompts act as a framework to guide the response, but specificity and customization ensure the most accurate and helpful results. Use these prep tips to get the most out of this prompt:
Gather a complete list of API error codes, responses, and related error scenarios.
Identify common developer challenges or frequent support issues related to API errors.
Prepare example workflows and best practices for error handling and debugging.
THE PROMPT
Help create API documentation that outlines error handling and debugging details for [specific API or endpoint]. Focus on:
Error Codes: Recommending structure, such as, ‘Provide a comprehensive list of error codes, including HTTP status codes and custom error responses, with clear explanations for each.’
Troubleshooting Guidance: Suggesting actionable steps, like, ‘Document common causes of errors and how developers can resolve them, including specific examples and workflows.’
Retry and Recovery: Including retry strategies, such as, ‘Explain best practices for handling transient errors, including appropriate retry intervals and backoff strategies.’
Real-World Examples: Proposing practical aids, like, ‘Include sample error scenarios and example responses to guide developers in handling errors effectively.’
Debugging Tools: Recommending debugging aids, such as, ‘Suggest tools or logging methods, like Postman, curl, or API-specific logs, to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.’
Provide a structured error handling section that helps developers understand and troubleshoot API errors effectively. If additional details about API responses or error scenarios are needed, ask clarifying questions to refine the documentation.
Bonus Add-On Prompts
Propose strategies for standardizing error messages across all API endpoints.
Suggest methods for integrating real-time error monitoring and reporting into API systems.
Highlight techniques for documenting error handling for rate-limiting and authentication failures.
Use AI responsibly by verifying its outputs, as it may occasionally generate inaccurate or incomplete information. Treat AI as a tool to support your decision-making, ensuring human oversight and professional judgment for critical or sensitive use cases.
SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE
Focus on error handling for specific areas, like authentication, database access, or rate-limiting.
Include tips for improving error clarity by using descriptive, developer-friendly messages.
Propose ways to integrate error handling documentation with real-time observability tools.
Highlight tools like Sentry or Rollbar for monitoring and tracking API errors.
Add suggestions for creating error-testing environments to help developers simulate failure scenarios.
WHEN TO USE
When creating or improving API documentation to enhance the developer experience.
To help developers debug issues during API integration or testing.
When standardizing error handling across multiple endpoints.
WHEN NOT TO USE
For APIs with minimal error handling or simple responses.
If error codes and scenarios are not well-defined or documented.