Side by side
AsyncAPI Generator vs Natural Docs
Both stand on documentation generators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
AsyncAPI Generator offers a free way to create API-related documentation and code from documents and templates, with scope shaped by the selected template. Its built-in templates carry a production-use caveat, so teams may need to create or extend templates.
Visit AsyncAPI Generator Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Natural Docs offers a free way to generate navigable HTML documentation from code comments and text files. Its language coverage, local viewing, and AGPL terms are key considerations.
Visit Natural DocsThe facts
| AsyncAPI Generator | Natural Docs | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Self-hosted | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | asyncapi.com | naturaldocs.org |
| On documentation generators | #5 of 37 | #9 of 37 |
AsyncAPI Generator: what it does well
- Generates documentation, code, diagrams, and other defined outputs.
- Supports custom templates and extensions to existing templates.
- Can scaffold API provider project structure and handler files.
- Offers npm and Docker installation options.
- Can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines.
What to know first
- Baked-in templates are experimental and limited in number.
- Built-in templates are not recommended for production use.
- Requires Node.js v18.12.0 or higher and npm v8.19.0 or higher.
Natural Docs: what it does well
- Free plan listed as free
- Supports API reference generation and HTML output
- Configured for 25 languages and extendable
- Generated documentation works from a local hard drive
- Can read Javadoc and Microsoft XML comments for some languages
What to know first
- Output format is HTML
- AGPL source-availability terms apply to certain uses
- Runs as a command-line application
Alternatives to AsyncAPI Generator Alternatives to Natural Docs The whole list