The API Paradox in Product Management
You're a product manager, not a coder. Yet somehow, you're expected to speak fluent "engineer" while translating complex technical concepts into something your stakeholders can understand.
Of all the technical jargon floating around your organization, APIs seem to be the buzzword that refuses to stay in the engineering department. When was the last time your marketing director enthusiastically discussed database normalization? Probably never. But APIs? They're mentioned in every other meeting.
We've explored APIs in depth before, but today we're focusing on a critical skill that can make or break your product integrations: understanding API documentation.
Why Bother with API Documentation?
Let's face it - without APIs, many of today's most valuable products would be islands of isolated functionality.
Picture a CRM that can't sync with Gmail.
Imagine accounting software that can't access your bank transactions.
Think about an e-commerce platform that can't calculate shipping costs.
APIs are the invisible connective tissue of modern software, and as a PM, you'll inevitably find yourself evaluating potential integrations or partnerships.
Four compelling reasons to master API documentation:
- It's your responsibility – Gone are the days when API docs were engineer-exclusive territory. Today's product teams expect PMs, designers, and QA specialists to understand how APIs function
- You'll spot deal-breakers early – Documentation that hasn't been updated since 2020? That's a massive red flag worth identifying before you're knee-deep in integration work
- Testing becomes possible – Documentation serves as your reference guide when verifying API behavior. Without understanding it, you're flying blind
- You'll discover hidden opportunities – Thorough documentation review often reveals functionality you didn't know existed, potentially inspiring new roadmap items
I learned this lesson the painful way. During partnership discussions, I skipped reading the API documentation thoroughly. Only later did we discover the API used an outdated SOAP/XML format that made integration practically impossible. Not my finest moment! 😬
The Anatomy of API Documentation
REST API documentation typically contains these essential elements:
- Authentication – How to securely connect to the API
- Resources – What data objects you can access
- Client libraries – Pre-packaged integration tools for different programming languages
- API endpoints – The specific URLs your requests target
- Request format – How to structure your API calls
- Response format – What data you'll receive back
- Response codes – Status indicators that tell you if things worked
Let's break these down using real-world examples.
Authentication: Your API Access Pass
Think of API authentication like a VIP pass at an exclusive event. Without it, you're not getting in.
Most modern APIs use token-based authentication. In Shippo's case (a shipping API provider we're using as an example), you need a production token to make live requests for shipping labels or address validation.
Your token is generated based on your account credentials and must be included with every API request. If your token expires or is invalid, your access is immediately cut off.
Resources: The Building Blocks
APIs give you access to resources - pre-defined collections of data that represent the core value of the service.
Real-world resource examples:
Shippo's API offers:
- Addresses
- Parcels
- Shipments
Zoom's API provides:
- Recordings
- Users
- Zoom rooms
Shopify's API exposes:
- Products
- Orders
- Customers
As a product manager evaluating an API, understanding available resources is crucial. If you need to mark Shopify orders as fulfilled, you must first confirm the API supports that operation. If you want to pull campaign statistics from Mailchimp, you need to verify a campaign resource exists.
Client Libraries: Ready-Made Integration Tools
API documentation often includes examples in multiple programming languages. Shippo, for instance, provides implementation samples for:
- Python
- Ruby
- Node.js
- PHP
- Java
These are pre-packaged libraries that simplify API integration for developers working in specific languages. While the core API functionality remains identical, the interface varies by programming language.
For Ruby developers, these packages often come as "Ruby Gems" - bundled code and documentation that streamline integration. Your engineering team will appreciate these shortcuts, though as a PM, you're more concerned with available functionality than implementation details.
API Endpoints: Where Requests Go
Third-party integration testing happens endpoint by endpoint. But what exactly is an endpoint?
When testing an API integration, you need:
- Documentation showing available endpoints
- A testing environment
- Knowledge of request/response patterns
An endpoint is simply the destination for your API request - like an address on the internet. API requests combine methods (verbs) with resources (nouns).
Consider this analogy: asking your dog to fetch the remote control.
"Go fetch the remote control" translates to:
GET the RemoteControl
Here, GET is the method, RemoteControl is the resource, and your dog's ears are the endpoint receiving the request.
Let's look at real examples:
Mailchimp API Example
Mailchimp's documentation explains that all API requests start with a root URL that includes your data center:
https://us6.mailchimp.com/account/api/
To access campaign reports, you'd send a request to:
https://us6.mailchimp.com/account/api/reports/{campaign_id}
The endpoint is "reports" and requires a campaign ID parameter.
Spotify API Example
Spotify's API offers endpoints for accessing music-related resources. To get album information, you'd call the "albums" endpoint with a specific album ID.
As a non-engineer involved in API testing, you'll verify that responses match documentation expectations - a process that requires understanding both requests and responses.
Request Format: What You Send
Every API interaction involves sending a request to an endpoint and receiving a response.
Documentation specifies exactly what the API expects in your request.
In this Shippo example, creating a shipment requires:
- Address from (required)
- Address to (required)
- Parcels (required)
Your request must follow the correct format for each field and use the appropriate HTTP method.
Common HTTP Methods:
| Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| POST | Creates new resources (e.g., creating a text message via Twilio) |
| GET | Retrieves data without changing it (considered "safe") |
| PUT | Updates existing data (e.g., changing a user's email) |
| DELETE | Removes data |
Response Format: What You Receive
Quality API documentation always includes examples of expected responses.
If responses don't match documentation, that's concerning. Sometimes it's just outdated documentation, but it could indicate poor API maintenance - a red flag if you're building critical functionality on this API.
Shippo's response to a shipment creation includes:
- Success status confirmation
- Creation timestamp
- Recipient address details
Responses also include status codes.
Response Codes: The Status Indicators
Response codes are numeric indicators that tell you what happened with your request:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 200 | Success - everything worked |
| 301 | Resource moved permanently |
| 400 | Client-side problem (404 is the famous "not found" error) |
| 500 | Server-side problem |
The GraphQL Alternative
While we've focused on REST APIs, GraphQL has emerged as a powerful alternative.
GraphQL uses a different approach:
- Single endpoint - All requests go to one URL, with the request itself specifying what you want
- Precise queries - Similar to SQL database queries, you specify exactly what data you need
- Efficiency - You can request multiple resources in one query, getting only what you asked for
Shopify GraphQL Example:
Notice how the query requests "products(first: 3)" - allowing precise control over what's returned.
REST vs. GraphQL at a glance:
| REST | GraphQL |
|---|---|
| Architectural style, industry standard | Query language offering flexibility and efficiency |
| Multiple endpoints for different resources | Single endpoint for all queries |
| May require multiple requests for complex data needs | Constructs complex queries to get everything in one response |
Why Generate API Documentation Using Apidog
In today's development landscape, clear API documentation is non-negotiable. It facilitates understanding, collaboration, and smooth integration.
Apidog distinguishes itself from competitors like Swagger and Postman by offering a comprehensive solution for creating, managing, and sharing API documentation. Here's how to use it:
Step 1: Create Your Apidog Account
Start by signing up for Apidog. The platform welcomes you with an intuitive interface designed for both technical and non-technical users.
Step 2: Add Your API Endpoint
Each API project consists of multiple endpoints representing different functionalities. Create a new endpoint by clicking the "+" button or selecting "New Endpoint" in your project.
Step 3: Document Your API Specifications
Now comes the crucial part - providing comprehensive details about your API:
- Define the endpoint URL
- Write a clear description
- Specify request and response parameters
Apidog simplifies this process by allowing you to:
- Select the HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
- Define request parameters with names, types, and descriptions
- Document expected responses with status codes and example formats
Unlike manual documentation, Apidog's visual interface makes this process intuitive and efficient.
Step 4: Generate Documentation Automatically
After entering your API details, simply click "Save as Endpoint" and Apidog automatically generates structured, professional documentation.
These four steps produce standardized documentation that ensures consistency and clarity while saving valuable development time.
Step 5 (Optional): Test Your Implementation
Apidog includes an interactive testing environment where you can send requests, examine responses, and verify your API behaves as expected - all within the same platform. This feature is invaluable for both initial testing and ongoing validation.
From API Anxiety to API Confidence
As we've seen, APIs rank among the most important technical concepts for product managers to understand. While diving into API documentation might seem intimidating at first, especially for junior PMs, it's a skill that pays dividends.
With hands-on experience and a solid grasp of API fundamentals, you'll be well-equipped to navigate technical discussions, evaluate integration opportunities, and speak confidently about APIs with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Have you had any API integration experiences - good or bad? Share your stories in the comments below!
Top comments (7)
Love the point about reading the docs thoroughly! I once made the same mistake and it cost us weeks of development time. 🤦♂️
Haha, I feel your pain! 🤦♂️
Love how you nailed the importance of spotting red flags early - I learned the hard way too when an API had hidden rate limits buried deep in the docs. Ever run into a doc that was too detailed and made things harder instead of easier?
this is extremely impressive, i've had my fair share of painful api docs and seeing it all broken down like this actually helps me breathe a bit easier
you think being comfortable around technical docs gives you more leverage in your own negotiations or planning
Really appreciate this guide! A very detailed introduction
Really helpful guide!
Thanks for highlighting the importance of API !
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