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Intro to API (Was: YOWZA--struck a nerve: Was Help API Documentation?)
Subject:Intro to API (Was: YOWZA--struck a nerve: Was Help API Documentation?) From:skwpt <skwpt -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Sun, 29 Apr 2001 15:23:42 -0700 (PDT)
I've been reading this thread with much interest. As a
relative newcomer to TW (< 5 years), I'd like to ask
experienced API writers how one gets started!
Surprisingly, I have no plans to "run for the hills,"
as Walden recommended.
Obviously I need to understand code on a fairly high
level but how high? And which program to start? C++?
Visual Basic? Java? I took C as a requirement for my
TW graduate program (it was either that or Pascal),
and I found it fascinating---even fun---but I had to
learn it in < 20 hours, and on only one night a week.
Retaining the weekly knowledge among the other classes
was tough. And, although my focus was on writing for
the computer industry, most classes were more
theory-based than practical (as with most graduate
programs, I presume.)
I am deeply interested in doing more *technical*
technical writing and would have to learn/practice
this on my own time. Any tips Emily/Walden/Glenn, et
al, could provide would be most appreciated.
Specifically, are there trade journals or magazines to
which you subscribe (besides those from the STC)? Are
there helpful web sites? Did you take programming
courses or are all of you former developers?
I welcome your responses. I'd appreciate it if you
could e-mail me directly along with the TECHWR-L list,
as I am on digest and sometimes get a little behind.
TIA,
Kelly
P.S. I have an excellent relationship with the
developers at work (although I currently work with
them little), and self-sacrificing, sleep-deprived
masochist is my mantra!
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