In today’s economy, there is an incredible number of platforms on which you can conduct business. However, each platform interacts with your software differently and may necessitate unique coding for each platform. To save time and money, companies will often implement an API so that developers can create personalized experiences for users without having to engage in repetitive and resource-consuming coding. Utilizing an API can increase software awareness among developers; however, you may find that the software is underperforming, or developers aren’t as quick to adopt it because the API is difficult to work with. With clear API documentation drafted by a proficient technical writer, these scenarios can be resolved or avoided entirely.

What Is API Documentation?

Application Programming Interfaces, known as APIs, is the intermediary between two programs in communication. When two programs are communicating, one program, known as the client, requests access to another program, known as the server. The API is what interprets the data from the server so the client can use and present the data correctly. API documentation shows a developer how to interact, integrate, and develop with the API. It is a complete reference source, including content such as instruction manuals, quick start guides, and reference charts. This information clearly lays out all the details of the API – such as functions, classes, parameters, and return types – through easy-to-understand tutorials and relevant examples.

Benefits of Application Programming Interfaces

Increasing the accessibility and usability of your API by developing API documentation with a technical writer can have huge advantages. Some benefits to technically proficient API documentation are…

A clear and easy-to-understand API blueprint will incentivize more developers to adopt your API
Saves your company resources by allowing third parties to develop for each particular instance instead of having to rewrite code
Creates greater market share by allowing for the easy adoption of your software on multiple platforms
Gives developers more time to develop and less time calling your customer service department, thus improving the developer experience
Demonstrates greater company focus on customer experience and satisfaction, leading to increased sales

Whether you need a team of consultants to produce a complete line of documentation or a single technical writer for a brief project, Essential Data’s Engagement Manager will lead the project from start to finish. At Essential Data Corporation, the quality of our work is guaranteed. Contact us today to get started. (800) 221-0093 or [email protected]

Written by Gwen Nicastro