Build a Documentation Site That Developers Actually Use
Go from undocumented API to a live, searchable, well-designed documentation site — with AI-generated reference docs and a setup that keeps docs current with your code.
Time Required
1 day initial setup, 30 min/week maintenance
Expected Result
A deployed Mintlify documentation site with API reference, guides, and a CI/CD sync that flags when docs drift from the codebase.
Recommended Tools
Audit Your Documentation Gaps
List every endpoint, function, and concept that needs documentation. Use Claude to prioritize: which gaps cause the most friction for new developers trying to use your product?
Generate API Reference from Code
In Mintlify, connect your GitHub repo and use the AI writer to generate API reference documentation from your code comments, function signatures, and existing README. Review and fill gaps manually.
Write the Getting Started Guide
Use Claude to write a 5-minute getting started guide from the perspective of a developer who has never seen your API. The goal: a working first API call in under 10 minutes.
Set Up Git Sync
Configure Mintlify's GitHub sync so every PR that changes code triggers a documentation check. When code changes without doc updates, the CI check flags it for review.
Add Search and Analytics
Enable Mintlify's built-in search and connect its analytics dashboard. Check weekly to see which searches return no results — these are the documentation gaps your users are actively encountering.