Describe endpoints, parameters and response schemas in an OpenAPI document. The examples separate the essential operation from the conditions a production implementation must enforce.
What It Does
Describe endpoints, parameters and response schemas in an OpenAPI document.
Prerequisites
Use a dedicated development environment with test accounts and records. Separate authorization, validation and error handling from response formatting; never copy demonstration-only secrets into production.
Example 1: Core Behavior
The first example isolates the core operation so its result is easy to understand.
<?php
$spec=['openapi'=>'3.1.0','info'=>['title'=>'Catalog API','version'=>'1.0.0'],'paths'=>new stdClass()];
echo json_encode($spec,JSON_PRETTY_PRINT);Example 2: Alternative or Failure Case
The second example demonstrates an alternative outcome, rule or failure condition.
<?php
$operation=['get'=>['responses'=>['200'=>['description'=>'Success']]]];
echo json_encode(['/items'=>$operation]);Practical Example: Applying the Rule
The practical example shows how to carry the same constraint into application code.
<?php
$schema=['type'=>'object','properties'=>['id'=>['type'=>'integer']],'required'=>['id']];
echo json_encode($schema);Important Behavior and Edge Cases
Treat documentation as a contract and test generated examples against real endpoints.
Comparison with Related Functions or Patterns
| Approach | When it differs |
|---|---|
| Documenting PHP APIs with OpenAPI | Describe endpoints, parameters and response schemas in an OpenAPI document. |
| Related API or pattern | PHPDoc documents code types but cannot describe full HTTP contracts. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct approach |
|---|---|
| Documenting a response shape that differs from the real API | Treat documentation as a contract and test generated examples against real endpoints. |
| Substituting a related API without checking its semantics | PHPDoc documents code types but cannot describe full HTTP contracts. |
Key Takeaways
- Describe endpoints, parameters and response schemas in an OpenAPI document.
- Treat documentation as a contract and test generated examples against real endpoints.
- PHPDoc documents code types but cannot describe full HTTP contracts.
Select this API or pattern based on its documented behavior and the trust boundaries in your own application, and test all external integrations against their actual deployments.