I'm diving into some app development, and I've faced a bit of a situation. When I inquired about an API from a team, they quickly confirmed it existed, but when I asked for documentation alongside a few other questions, I've received no response. I'm concerned I may have violated some unspoken rule about requesting documentation. Do developers typically reach out for this kind of info, or is it something we're expected to figure out independently?
3 Answers
It's strange to feel like you did something wrong just for asking questions! Often, people don’t reply because they might not have the info you need or they could be busy with other tasks. Don't take it personally! Sometimes a single question is easier for people to respond to, but asking is always better than guessing.
It's kind of weird to not get a reply, but asking for documentation is definitely not a taboo. You're doing the right thing by reaching out. Sometimes, they might just miss your request when they're busy, and they might respond later if you follow up. Don't hesitate to ask!
Asking about an API is totally fine! Just remember that the person answering might not have all the details at hand. Try reaching out in a team chat or check any internal documentation like Confluence. Also, look at past Jira tasks for any mentions of the API, and if it's public, a quick Google search might yield results too.
I've done all of those things before! Even with documentation, I still find myself needing to clarify things. It’s good to ask again if you’re stuck.
I've felt that way too! It seems like some folks are more responsive than others, but it doesn’t mean your questions are bad. Just keep trying!