Learn vocabulary for writing API concept guides: getting started structure, authentication guides, migration guides, and API cookbooks.
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What is the typical structure of a 'getting started guide' for an API?
A getting started guide is designed for first-time success. It follows the shortest path from zero to a working API call, typically: prerequisites → authentication → first request → example response — all in under 10 minutes.
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What should an 'authentication guide' in API documentation cover?
An authentication guide explains every supported method (API keys, OAuth 2.0, JWT), step-by-step credential setup, request headers/parameters required, token refresh flows, and how to handle authentication errors.
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What is a 'migration guide' in API documentation?
A migration guide (e.g. 'Migrating from v2 to v3') lists all breaking changes, removed/renamed fields or endpoints, new required parameters, and provides before/after code examples to help consumers upgrade safely.
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What is an 'API cookbook' in the context of developer documentation?
An API cookbook provides short, focused how-to recipes for common use cases. Each recipe has a goal, prerequisites, step-by-step code, and expected output — making it easy to find answers to 'how do I do X with this API?'
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A documentation writer says 'the common use cases section is the most-read part of our docs'. Why is this section valuable?
The common use cases section answers 'what can I actually do with this API?' — helping developers find their path quickly rather than reading through a full reference to understand what's possible.