ringapi-field-descriptions
Patterns for writing clear, consistent API field descriptions including types, constraints, examples, and edge cases.
Installation
Follow the repository instructions for this skill and your agent. Review the files and dependencies before adding it to your workflow.
View source ↗GuidesSkill instructions
API Field Descriptions
Field descriptions are the most-read part of API documentation. Users scan for specific fields and need clear, consistent information.
Field Description Structure
Every field description answers: What is it? (purpose), What type? (data type), Required? (mandatory), Constraints? (limits/validations), Example? (valid data)
Table Format (Preferred)
| Field | Type | Required | Description |
|-------|------|----------|-------------|
| id | uuid | — | The unique identifier of the Account |
| name | string | Yes | The display name of the Account (max 255 chars) |
| status | enum | — | Account status: `ACTIVE`, `INACTIVE`, `BLOCKED` |
Note: Use — for response-only fields (not applicable for requests).
For nested objects: status.code, status.description
Description Patterns by Type
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| UUID | "The unique identifier of the [Entity]" | id: uuid — The unique identifier of the Account |
| String | "[Purpose] (constraints)" | code: string — The asset code (max 10 chars, uppercase, e.g., "BRL") |
| String (format) | "[Purpose] (format example)" | email: string — Email address (e.g., "user@example.com") |
| Enum | "[Purpose]: val1, val2, val3" |
type: enum — Asset type: \currency`, `crypto`, `commodity`` |
| Boolean | "If true, [what happens]. Default: [value]" |
allowSending: boolean — If \true`, sending permitted. Default: `true`` |
| Integer | "[Purpose] (range)" | scale: integer — Decimal places (0-18) |
| Timestamp | "Timestamp of [event] (UTC)" | createdAt: timestamptz — Timestamp of creation (UTC) |
| Object (jsonb) | "[Purpose] including [fields]" | status: jsonb — Status information including code and description |
| Array | "List of [what it contains]" | operations: array — List of operations in the transaction |
Required vs Optional
In Requests:
-
Yes= Must be provided -
No= Optional -
Conditional= Required in specific scenarios (explain in description)
In Responses: Use — (response fields are always returned or null)
Special Field Documentation
| Pattern | Format |
|---|---|
| Default values | "Results per page. Default: 10" |
| Nullable fields | "Soft deletion timestamp, or null if not deleted" |
| Deprecated fields | "[Deprecated] Use route instead" |
| Read-only fields | "Read-only. Generated by the system" |
| Relationships | "References an Asset code. Must exist in the Ledger" |
Writing Good Descriptions
| Don't | Do |
|---|---|
| "The name" | "The display name of the Account" |
| "Status info" | "Account status: ACTIVE, INACTIVE, BLOCKED" |
| "A number" | "Balance version, incremented with each transaction" |
| "The code" | "The asset code (max 10 chars, uppercase)" |
| "The timestamp" | "Timestamp of creation (UTC)" |
Quality Checklist
- Description explains the field's purpose
- Data type is accurate
- Required/optional status is clear
- Constraints documented (max length, valid values)
- Default value noted (if optional)
- Nullable behavior explained (if applicable)
- Deprecated fields marked
- Read-only fields indicated
- Relationships to other entities clear
- Example values realistic
Examples
Read the usage examples in the source repository.
View source ↗Source history
- Indexed on
- 2026-01-20
- Index updated
- 2026-02-04
- Branch
- main
Index and sync dates describe this directory. View the source repository for code history.
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