this post was submitted on 24 Jun 2024
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Programming
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When someone writes API docs, should they assume the reader knows nothing or can they assume the is already experienced?
It takes a lot of effort to write documentation towards newbies, at the cost of making it more difficult for already experienced to find the answer they need.
Docs should be written for someone experienced in programming but inexperienced with the API. If it is about a niche subject (for example VR).
Whenever an explanation contains something about that niche subject, you don't need to explain everything, but maybe provide a link towards another place (for example wikipedia) that explains it.
Usually API docs are tucked away inside a "developer dashboard" or whatever they decided to call it. So I think you can assume at least moderate API and web development knowlege and programming skills.
Write multiple versions of docs for different audiences
No way they will ever be in sync.
Which doubles the maintenance work to keep docs in sync