OpenAPI Generator
openapi-generator.tech
What it is
OpenAPI Generator produces API clients, server stubs, and documentation from OpenAPI 2.0 and 3.x documents. It offers more than 50 client generators and server stub generation for over 40 languages and technologies, including Java, Kotlin, Go, and PHP. Other outputs include Apache2 configuration, MySQL, GraphQL schemas, and formats such as HTML and Cwiki. It can also convert OpenAPI 2.0 documents into OpenAPI 3.x JSON or YAML. Generated output can be adapted with Mustache templates, configuration-provided files and extensions, or custom generators. Installation choices include npm, Homebrew, Scoop, PyPI, Docker, JAR, JBang, and a Bash launcher. The project documents Gradle, Maven, sbt, Bazel, GitHub, and CI/CD integrations. Supported operating systems include Linux, macOS, and Windows, though installer availability varies by system. The JAR option requires Java 11 or later. The project is free and describes a Slack community for questions and guidance.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Generates clients, servers, and documentation from OpenAPI 2.0 and 3.x documents.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Integrations
- The project documents Gradle, Maven, sbt, Bazel, GitHub, and CI/CD integrations; Cake is a third-party add-in.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Client generators
- The homepage states it has 50+ client generators.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Community support
- The project describes an active Slack community of users, contributors, and core team members for guidance and questions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Customization
- Users can replace templates with Mustache templates, provide additional files and extensions through configuration, or create custom generators.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Installation
- The CLI can be installed through npm, Homebrew, Scoop, PyPI, Docker, JAR, JBang, or a Bash launcher script.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- OpenAPI conversion
- It supports generating newer JSON or YAML OpenAPI 3.x documents from OpenAPI 2.0.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Other outputs
- It includes generators for Apache2 configuration, MySQL, GraphQL schemas, and documentation formats such as HTML and Cwiki.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Runtime requirement
- The JAR installation requires at least Java 11.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Server generators
- It can generate server stubs for 40+ languages and technologies, including Java, Kotlin, Go, and PHP.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Sponsorship
- The project invites individual and company sponsorship through Open Collective.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
- Supported operating systems
- The installation page lists Linux, macOS, and Windows support for npm, PyPI, Docker, JAR, and JBang; Homebrew is listed for macOS and Scoop for Windows.Read 29 Sep 2026 · openapi-generator.tech
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- More than 50 client generators
- Generates server stubs for 40+ languages and technologies
- Supports Mustache templates and custom generators
- Free and available through multiple installation routes
Limits
- JAR installation requires Java 11 or later
- Installer options vary by operating system
Who it suits
It suits developers who need to generate API clients, server stubs, or documentation from OpenAPI specifications. Template and custom-generator options are relevant for teams that need to shape generated output.
Verdict
OpenAPI Generator covers a broad range of client and server outputs and allows substantial customization. Its free availability and multiple installation paths make it worth considering when generated code is part of an API workflow.
Where Specifiction places it
- API Generation Software#11 of 257.7
- Code Generators#21 of 337.8
- API Development Tools#22 of 327.9