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API writer

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An API writer is a technical writer who writes documents that describe an application programming interface (API). They write for an audience that includes programmers, developers, system architects, and designers. API Writers produce documents that include:

  • API Reference Guides
  • Programmer's Guides
  • Developer Manuals
  • Administration Manuals
  • Installation Guides

API writers need to understand application code enough to extract the information API documents require. API writers generally follow (in the US) The Chicago Manual of Style for grammar and punctuation. Other common tools include Javadoc, which extracts comments from Java source code.

Overview

An API is a basic library consisting of interfaces, functions, classes, structures, enumerations, etc. for building a software application. An API is an interface used by development teams to interact with the software. It is very helpful for customizing the software or enhancing the needs for a software application. On a day to day basis, a lot of system- defined and user- defined functions/methods/classes become available within the API. As the list of these functions or classes increase, it becomes very tedious for developers to keep track or remember all the functions and the parameters defined. Hence, the API writers are responsible for the API content used for building such software applications.

Often, API writers are not confined to just writing or documenting these new functions or classes. It would be highly required for API writers to understand the software platform/product and document the new features or changes as part of the new software release. Usually, the software release change happens three times in a year or it may vary from organization to organization depending upon their needs. The writers need to well understand the software life cycle and are aligned within the SDLC process. Documentation becomes a very important activity as part of the life cycle. Also, it is very important to understand the complete process of operations within the life cycle.

API technical process

This is one of the most important challenges faced by technical writers or whoever is interested in moving to API documentation. The writing and evaluation criteria varies between organizations. It is usually most beneficial for API writers to possess a broad and thorough knowledge of programming structure and syntax, while also being adequately capable of understanding the workings of a particular given application with a greater level of detail related to the specific classes or interfaces from which its usefulness derives.

60% of the tasks encountered in the writing process involve analyzing, planning, and understanding the code/functions, while the remaining 40% of time would typically be spent actually writing and reviewing implementations. Hence, a very solid understanding of the process is of key importance to API writers as they frequent between planning and implementation phases. A good foundation of a variety of programming skills is well complemented by an ability to communicate effectively, especially when the writer seeks to develop a fluent level of understanding with developers. Finally, API writers may also be at least partly responsible for authoring product documentation outlining and specifying things like included program content, methods of implementation, and many other relevant details.

Qualifications

Usually, API writers possess a mix of programming and language abilities. It’s good to have programming background but again it’s not mandatory. Many API writers switch from programming or technical writing.

  • Programming background (Knowledge of C, C++, Java, Assembly, etc.)
  • Knowledge of tools like Doxygen, Javadoc, or FrameMaker
  • Excellent communication and writing skills to interact with developers

Expert API/SDK writers can easily become programming writers.

Resources

Books

See also

Technical writing
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