• Video
  • What makes a Good Developer Portal

 

The key topics covered in the video
  • [00:34] Primary goals of a Developer Portal.
  • [01:34] Essential Components of a Developer Portal.
  • [03:33] How to Streamline Onboarding.
  • [05:00]Examples of excellent developer portals.
  • [08:17] Emerging trends in developer portals.

Introduction

In this edition of API Conversations, we explore the essential components and emerging trends in developer portals. Launching public APIs also means building a developer portal to educate and support developers. Understanding how to meet developers' expectations and provide a seamless experience is crucial.

Key Takeaways

Primary Goals of Developer Portals

  • Developer portals should act as marketing websites, clearly communicating the problems that APIs solve.

  • They must provide all necessary information for onboarding and running the API, ensuring easy navigation and a reduced learning curve.

Essential Components of a Developer Portal

  • Comprehensive guides (quick start, authentication, use cases).

  • API references and explorers to detail API payloads, responses, and sample values.

  • Code samples and SDKs in multiple languages to help developers relate and integrate quickly.

  • Business use cases to demonstrate real-world applications of the API.

  • Robust support mechanisms, including feedback systems, FAQs, and instant issue resolution options.

Streamlining Onboarding

  • Clear authentication processes and easy access to API keys.

  • Quick start guides offering high-level overviews for fast onboarding.

  • Interactive tutorials and sandbox environments for hands-on learning.

  • Sample applications demonstrating real-world problem-solving.

Examples of Excellent Developer Portals

  • Twilio: Quite famous for its comprehensive getting started guides, API references, tutorials, and extensive SDK support.

  • Maxio (formerly Chargify): Utilizes APImatic for an interactive API reference, live tryout calls, and multi-language support.

Emerging Trends

  • Integration of AI to enhance developer portals, facilitating quicker onboarding and query resolution.

  • APImatic's API Copilot, which leverages AI to generate integration code and provide detailed explanations, exemplifies this trend.

 

For a seamless developer experience, explore APImatic's Developer Portal. Discover how it provides getting-started guides, detailed API references, idiomatic code samples and guided walkthroughs