Side by side
ApiNotes vs Javadoc
Both stand on api documentation tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
ApiNotes turns supported API specifications into hosted references with interactive features and breaking-change changelogs. Compare the Starter limits with Team’s $19 a month price and five-API allowance.
Visit ApiNotes
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Javadoc provides standard HTML documentation generation alongside options for custom output. Review output safety and the terms that apply to later JDK updates.
Visit JavadocThe facts
| ApiNotes | Javadoc | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Team: $19 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | apinotes.io | oracle.com |
| On api documentation tools | #7 of 27 | #3 of 27 |
ApiNotes: what it does well
- Supports OpenAPI 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, and Swagger 2.0.
- Generated docs include a Try-It-Now console.
- GitHub Action can publish updated specifications on merge.
- Team includes private documentation and a custom domain.
- Team trial lasts 14 days without a credit card.
What to know first
- Starter is limited to one public API.
- Starter retains only the last 10 changelog releases.
- Postman, Bruno, and Insomnia integrations are coming soon.
- Additional APIs are listed at £5/API.
Javadoc: what it does well
- Included with the Java Development Kit
- Documents packages or individual source files
- Alternate doclets can define generated output
- Taglets support custom documentation tags
What to know first
- DocLint does not verify conformance or correct errors
- Executable content in output can pose risks
- Later JDK updates may require production-use fees
Alternatives to ApiNotes Alternatives to Javadoc The whole list