As a technical writer, you may have queries like how to move from creating end-user or GUI-based products to effectively creating API documentation. Whereas good technical writers already have the abilities and best practices required as a base for writing API documentation, there are still some significant challenges and needs to address. Here are some generally asked questions related to writing API documentation:
1. What are the distinctions between writing API documentation and different types of technical documentation?
Although API documentation sticks to various accepted writing rules, there are some main differences. The baseline for API documentation is a complete, precise reference handbook. Complete denotes that each part of the API, process/task/resource, error message, and different components are filed. One main difference is that in various cases, sentence portions are suitable and advantageous.
2. What tools do I require to learn?
Although you can employ any of the widespread technical writing tools that you employ for different technical writing to create API documentation, there are tools particularly suitable for API documentation. These tools are employed to create specially outlined comments in the source code files that are then taken out by the tool and outlined into API reference documentation. Some of these tools are employed as separate tools; others are a component of the similar coding development tools that software developers employ to code APIs. You can learn the most effective API documentation tool and create API documentation with the help of it.
3. Do I require being a programmer to do well at creating API documentation?
You do not require being an expert programmer to do well at API documentation. But, you do need to be capable of reading code to some extent. C or Java are the most helpful programming languages to study. You should be able to distinguish and code the general elements in a programming language like methods, the parameters that can be specified for a process, the value returned by a process, and how to code error messages for general mistakes and call those error messages when such a mistake takes place. Fortunately, there is a broad diversity of resources to help you get a fundamental consideration of programming, varying from books, college courses, and online learning websites.
4. How do I split into API documentation?
A best practice is to learn examples of good API documentation to get an experience for how API information is shown. One more method is to take a current API and check or make changes to it. This provides you a real-life sample that you can illustrate to potential appointing managers.
5. Why should I consider writing API documentation?
Writing API documentation is the best method to enhance your ability fixed and better place yourself in the technical communication business. Additionally, to work with developers, writing API documentation can guide revelation to complicated tools like development incorporated environments (IDEs), the similar development tools employed by developers.
