Use Cases
How teams use api documentation localization in practice.
API Reference
Endpoint descriptions, parameter definitions, response schemas in developer's native language.
Integration Guides
Step-by-step tutorials for integrating your API. Localized for regional developer communities.
SDK Documentation
Library-specific docs for Node, Python, Go, Java. Code comments and README files.
Changelog & Release Notes
Keep international developers updated on API changes, deprecations, and new features.
Common Challenges
What makes api documentation localization difficult.
Code Sample Preservation
Translations must never touch code blocks, variable names, or CLI examples. Breaking code breaks developer trust.
Technical Accuracy
API terminology must be precise. 'Request body' can't become 'request content'. Technical glossaries are critical.
Version Synchronization
API v1 docs differ from v2. Keeping translations in sync across versions and deprecation cycles.
OpenAPI/Swagger Handling
Description fields in OpenAPI specs need localization. Tools generate docs from specs. Workflow differs from static docs.
Inline Code References
Text mentions function names, parameters, endpoints. These should often stay in English even when surrounding text translates.
How IntlPull Helps
Purpose-built features for api documentation localization.
Code Block Protection
Automatic detection of fenced code blocks, inline code, CLI examples. Passed through untranslated but visible for context.
vs broken code samples
Technical Glossary
Define terms that should/shouldn't translate. 'API key' stays English. 'Authentication' translates. Per-project rules.
vs inconsistent terminology
OpenAPI Integration
Import OpenAPI/Swagger specs. Extract description fields. Export localized specs. Works with doc generators.
vs manual spec editing
Version Branching
Branch translations per API version. Maintain v1 while developing v2. Archive deprecated versions.
vs version confusion
Docs-as-Code Workflow
Git integration for Docusaurus, GitBook, ReadMe. PRs for translation changes. Review in familiar workflow.
vs separate docs workflow
Inline Code Handling
Preserve backticked code in translations. `userId` stays `userId`. Configurable per-project rules.
vs translated variable names
Best Practices
Proven approaches for api documentation localization success.
Define Translation Boundaries
Document what should/shouldn't translate: endpoint paths (no), parameter descriptions (yes), code comments (maybe).
Use Semantic Versioning
Version your translations like your API. Breaking changes in docs need clear communication to translators.
Keep Source-of-Truth Clear
English docs are source. Translations follow. Don't let translations diverge with region-specific content.
Test Localized Code Samples
Even though code doesn't translate, test that copy-paste still works after localization process.
Prioritize High-Traffic Pages
Getting Started, Authentication, and top 10 endpoints first. Long tail can wait or use AI-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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