Fern (api tools): Generate and publish SDKs and create stunning API documentation from your API specification. Fern is a platform that helps companies elevate their developer experience by automating the generation of SDKs and creating comprehensive API documentation. Key capabilities: SDK Generation (TypeScript, Python, Go, Java, C#, PHP, Ruby), Supports OpenAPI, AsyncAPI, OpenRPC, gRPC, Fern Definition specs, Custom code extension for generated SDKs, Automated package publishing to registries (npm, pypi, maven), OAuth 2.0 authentication support in SDKs. Fern is paid-only, with most plans including a trial period. Buyers most often compare Fern against Redocly, Apidog, Archbee.
TL;DR - Fern
Generates idiomatic SDKs in multiple languages from API specifications.
Automates the creation of interactive, SEO-optimized API documentation.
Saves engineering time and enhances the developer experience for API consumers.
Pricing: Paid only
Best for: Enterprises & pros
Pros & Cons
Pros
Generates high-quality, language-idiomatic SDKs, saving significant development time.
Provides a comprehensive and customizable documentation platform with advanced features.
Supports various API specification formats, offering flexibility.
Includes built-in features like OAuth, pagination, and retries in generated SDKs.
Offers enterprise solutions with dedicated support for perfecting OpenAPI specs and launching SDKs.
Cons
No free tier available, requiring a commitment to a paid plan.
Swift and Rust SDK generation are listed as 'coming soon', limiting current language support.
Fern is a platform that helps companies elevate their developer experience by automating the generation of SDKs and creating comprehensive API documentation. It allows users to start with an API specification (OpenAPI, AsyncAPI, OpenRPC, gRPC, or Fern Definition) and automatically generate client libraries in multiple languages, including TypeScript, Python, Go, Java, Ruby, C#, and PHP.
Beyond SDK generation, Fern also provides a robust documentation platform. It enables users to create SEO-optimized, versioned API documentation with features like API key injection, access control, and interactive API explorers. The platform supports docs-as-code workflows, allowing documentation to be versioned and released using Git, and offers customization options with JavaScript, CSS, and React components. Fern aims to save engineering time and improve the developer experience for API consumers.
Fern is a platform that automates the generation of idiomatic SDKs in multiple programming languages and creates comprehensive, interactive API documentation from your API specification. It aims to improve the developer experience for API consumers and save engineering resources.
How much does Fern cost?
Fern does not offer a free tier. Pricing information is not publicly available on the website, but it is indicated as a paid service, with an option to book a demo for more details.
Is Fern free?
No, Fern is not free. The website indicates it is a paid product, and users can book a demo to learn more about its offerings and presumably, pricing.
Who is Fern for?
Fern is for companies and development teams that build and maintain APIs and want to provide a superior developer experience for their API consumers. This includes engineering teams, developer platform teams, and those looking to streamline SDK generation and API documentation processes.