How can you handle discrepancies between API documentation and actual behavior?

1 Check the API version

The first thing you should do when you notice a discrepancy is to check the API version that you are using and the one that the documentation refers to. Sometimes, the documentation may not be updated to reflect the latest changes or features of the API, or you may be using an older or newer version of the API than the one that the documentation supports. To avoid this, always make sure that you are using the correct and compatible version of the API and the documentation, and check for any release notes or changelogs that may explain the differences.

2 Test the API endpoints

The next thing you should do is to test the API endpoints that you are using with a tool like Postman, Insomnia, or curl. This way, you can see the actual response and data that the API returns, and compare it with the expected response and data that the documentation describes. You can also use these tools to check for any errors, status codes, headers, or parameters that may affect the API behavior. By testing the API endpoints, you can verify if the discrepancy is due to a bug, a misunderstanding, or a missing feature in the API.

3 Contact the API provider

If you still cannot resolve the discrepancy after testing the API endpoints, you may need to contact the API provider for clarification or support. You can use the official channels of communication that the API provider offers, such as email, chat, forum, or issue tracker. You should provide as much information as possible about the discrepancy, such as the API version, the endpoint, the request, the response, the documentation, and the expected behavior. You should also be polite, respectful, and patient when contacting the API provider, as they may be busy or overwhelmed with other requests.

4 Document and report the discrepancy

Finally, you should document and report the discrepancy to your team, your clients, or your users, depending on your role and context. You should explain what the discrepancy is, how it affects your web application, and how you are handling it. You should also update your documentation and code accordingly, and follow up with the API provider if they fix or change the discrepancy in the future. By documenting and reporting the discrepancy, you can avoid further confusion, errors, or complaints, and improve your web application's quality and reliability.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?