Code sample
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A short, focused snippet of code that demonstrates how to use a specific API endpoint, SDK method, or product feature.
A code sample is a short, focused piece of code that shows how to do one thing with your product. Unlike a tutorial (which builds a complete project) or a sample app (which shows a full application), a code sample answers one question: 'How do I call this endpoint?' or 'How do I use this SDK method?'
Good code samples are copy-pasteable. A developer should be able to copy the sample, paste it into their project, change a few variables, and have it work. This means the sample must include all necessary imports, handle common errors, and use realistic (not placeholder) values.
Code samples in multiple languages are important. A Python developer does not want to mentally translate a Node.js example. Providing samples in the top 3-5 languages your developers use removes friction and signals that you support their ecosystem.
Examples
An API reference includes code samples for every endpoint.
Each endpoint page shows a working example in Python, Node.js, Go, and cURL. The example includes authentication, the request, and the expected response. Developers copy the sample, replace the API key, and make a successful call in under a minute.
Code samples in documentation reduce support tickets.
The authentication documentation had a text description but no code sample. Support tickets about authentication averaged 50 per month. After adding a copy-paste code sample for each language, tickets dropped to 15 per month.
A code sample is tested in CI.
Every code sample in the documentation is extracted into a test file and run in CI on every deploy. If a product change breaks a code sample, the build fails. This ensures every published sample actually works.
Frequently asked questions
How many languages should code samples support?
At minimum, the top 3 languages your developers use. For most developer tool companies: Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, and Go or Ruby. Always include cURL as a universal fallback. If 90% of your users are Python developers, perfect the Python samples first.
Should code samples handle errors?
Yes, at least for common errors. A sample that only shows the happy path leaves the developer to figure out error handling on their own. Including basic try/catch and response status checking makes the sample production-ready, not just demo-ready.
Related terms
A complete, working application that demonstrates how to use a product or API for a specific use case.
Written resources that explain how to use a product, including guides, tutorials, API references, and troubleshooting information.
Comprehensive documentation of every endpoint, parameter, and response in an API, serving as the definitive technical specification.
A concise, step-by-step guide that gets a developer from zero to a working implementation in the shortest time possible.
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