> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rockapi.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to publish an API

> A practical guide for preparing an API for publication, including documentation, authentication, pricing, limits, and buyer onboarding.

# How to publish an API

Publishing an API is more than exposing an endpoint. Buyers need to understand what the API does, how to authenticate, what it costs, and how it behaves under load.

## Prepare the buyer path

* Write a short description of the API outcome.
* Provide a working request example.
* Document authentication and required headers.
* Explain limits, common errors, and expected response times.
* Define a pricing plan buyers can understand before they subscribe.

## Documentation checklist

Your first page should answer four questions:

1. What does this API do?
2. Who should use it?
3. How does a buyer make the first request?
4. What does it cost after the first test?

Use [Authentication](/authentication), [Pricing and billing](/pricing-and-billing), and the [API reference](/api-reference/openapi) as examples for clear buyer-facing documentation.

<Card title="Review the quickstart pattern" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
  Use a short setup path so buyers can test your API before they commit to production usage.
</Card>