Being the Gentle Giant

Helping people integrate for the long haul

@matt_mcclure

What makes an API good?

Usefulness
Design
Support

Getting people to use an API

Usefulness, design, support
Good enough (parity with DIY)

Deciding on an API is a big deal

APIs can help developers focus on their product's core competency ...but takes control out of their hands

Taking the job seriously

Frequently, developers use an API because they're unable to perform the task

Helping developers integrate

Recognize that developers are going to vary wildly in skill

Easy Wins are fun

Everyone likes an easy win
Get to see basic usage examples
Get a quick feel for the service
Service gets to show off cool features

Easy ends quick

Quick hacks never get refactored
Never get a chance to show best practices
Doesn't exclude non-fits
"As for what the language is in, its php with java of course" - User

Talk about best practices

Guides
Blog posts
Documentation
Support
Dinner with their family

Provide integration libraries

Integration libraries should just get out of the way

Provide Feedback

Have developers' backs...be proactive.

Post-integration world

Once a customer is up and running, real support begins

How we like to think support will be

But really...

Be up front about downtime or potentially breaking changes

Let users know as soon as you confirm unscheduled downtime will occur
Eventually you'll have to deploy a chance that will break things...

Find all potentially affected users
Test recent requests
Contact them, contact them, contact them

Ask for feedback

Allows you to find annoyances, not just bugs
Lets developers know you care

Take pride

The world of open APIs is amazing.