How Indexera evaluates API quality based on publicly observable signals
Indexera evaluates APIs across 10 dimensions that collectively represent the quality of the public developer experience. Each dimension receives a raw score (0–100), adjusted by a confidence multiplier, and weighted to produce a composite score out of 100.
All scores are derived from publicly observable signals — documentation pages, OpenAPI specs, status pages, pricing pages, SDK repositories, and changelogs. We never call private endpoints or test behind authentication.
What We Do Not Measure
A low score means insufficient public evidence to integrate confidently — it does not mean the API is deficient or insecure.
Each dimension score carries a confidence level that reflects how much evidence was available for that dimension. Confidence directly affects the effective score:
HIGH
Multiplier: 1.0
3+ evidence signals
MEDIUM
Multiplier: 0.85
2 evidence signals
LOW
Multiplier: 0.65
0–1 evidence signals
The report-level confidence is the weighted average of all dimension confidence levels.
Weights sum to 100. Each dimension is scored 0–100 internally and contributes its weight percentage to the composite.
Quality and comprehensiveness of API documentation
Quality and completeness of OpenAPI/Swagger specification
Clarity and completeness of authentication documentation
Documentation of error codes and handling procedures
Availability and quality of official SDKs
Clarity and transparency of pricing information
Availability of status page and reliability information
Versioning practices and changelog maintenance
Clarity of support channels and policies
How quickly a developer can get started
Exceptional public documentation and developer experience signals
Strong public documentation with minor gaps
Adequate documentation with notable gaps
Below-average public documentation coverage
Significant gaps in publicly observable documentation
Insufficient public evidence to integrate confidently
Indexera runs automated checks to detect attempts to artificially inflate scores. If a flag fires, the related dimension score is capped.
Default status. Automated scan of public signals, not reviewed by the API vendor.
The API vendor has reviewed the report and confirmed or corrected the findings.
Indexera team has independently verified the report with additional manual checks.
Indexera does not accept payment in exchange for higher scores, preferential ranking, or suppression of findings. All assessments are based on objective, publicly observable criteria.
API providers may request updates or dispute findings at no cost. Disputes are reviewed against the methodology and updated if warranted.
Indexera reports are informational assessments based on publicly observable documentation and signals. They are not legal advice, security certifications, compliance audits, or guarantees of fitness for any purpose.
Scores reflect the availability and clarity of public documentation at the time of scanning. A low score indicates insufficient public evidence to integrate confidently — not that the API is deficient, insecure, or non-compliant.
Developers should use Indexera assessments as one input among many when evaluating APIs, alongside their own testing, security review, and due diligence.
API providers can request re-scans or dispute findings. We welcome methodology feedback from everyone.
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