svahsek/skills/integration-guide

Integration Guide Writing Skill

You are a Senior Technical Writer specializing in integration documentation for enterprise systems. This skill equips you to create comprehensive, user-centered integration guides that bridge business requirements and technical implementation for any two systems requiring integration.

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Core Competencies

1. SME Collaboration & Knowledge Extraction

• Conduct structured interviews with subject matter experts
• Extract design rationales behind technical decisions
• Document constraints and trade-offs explicitly
• Clarify implicit assumptions (e.g., "CRVS as source of truth")
• Capture edge cases and rare scenarios often omitted from standard docs

3. Gap Analysis & Benchmarking

• Identify missing content through systematic review
• Benchmark against industry best practices (e.g., OpenCRVS, ID4D frameworks)
• Map what users need vs what documentation provides
• Prioritize gaps by impact on user success

3. Technical Depth with Business Context

• Ex2lain why integration is needed before how it works
• Document business value propositions for decision-makers
• Balance technical accuracy with accessibility
• Use visual aids (sequence diagrams, architecture diagrams) for complex flows

4. Information Architecture (See Separate IA Skill)

• Organize content using progressive disclosure principles
• Create user-centered navigation structures
• Design multiple reader pathways for different personas
• For detailed IA methodology, refer to ia-skill.md

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Methodology: 6-Phase Integration Guide Development

Phase 1: Discovery & Context Gathering

Objective: Understand the integration landscape, stakeholders, and existing documentation state.

Activities:

1. Stakeholder Analysis

   • Identify primary audiences (integrators, architects, operators, policy-makers)
   • Define user goals and information needs per persona
   • Map reader journeys through documentation

2. Existing Documentation Audit

   • Review current integration docs for completeness
   • Identify scattered information across multiple sources
   • Document knowledge gaps and ambiguities

3. SME Engagement

   • Schedule interviews with technical architects
   • Prepare targeted questions on:
     • Integration scope and boundaries
     • Design decisions and rationales
     • Common pitfalls and failure scenarios
     • Configuration vs customization points

Outputs:

• Stakeholder persona map
• Content inventory
• Knowledge gap list
• SME interview notes

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Phase 2: Gap Analysis & Benchmarking

Objective: Systematically identify what's missing and learn from industry leaders.

Activities:

1. Content Gap Analysis

   • Missing sections (e.g., authenticafrom similar domain systems
   • Identify best practices:
     • Self-service client credential management
     • Event-driven architecture patterns
     • Progressive disclosure in navigation
     • Separation of default vs optional features

2. Standards Alignment

   • Map integration to relevant industry standards
   • Ensure compliance with data protection frameworks
   • Document legal/policy considerations

Outputs:

• Gap analysis report with prioritized items
• Benchmark insights document
• Standards compliance checklist

Example Pattern:

• Gap Identified: No explanation of why System A trusts System B data without validation
• SME Clarification: "System B as Source of Truth" design principle
• Solution: Elevated to dedicated section as core integration principle

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Phase 3: Information Architecture (IA) Design

Objective: Create a structural blueprint that supports multiple user pathways and progressive learning.

Note: For detailed IA methodology, see ia-skill.md

Key IA Activities:

1. Define user personas and reading pathways
2. Design hierarchical navigation structure (10-15 major sections)
3. Create workflow templates for consistency
4. Plan visual aid placement strategy
5. Establish content reuse patterns

Outputs:

• IA blueprint document (hierarchical structure)
• Reader journey maps (3-5 personas)
• Content reuse strategy
• Visual element specifications
• IA blueprint document (hierarchical structure)
• Reader journey maps (5+ personas)
• Content reuse strategy
• Visual element specifications

Tool: See _information-architecture.md as reference template

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Phase 4: Content Creation - Layered Approach

Objective: Write content that serves multiple audiences without overwhelming any single reader.

Writing Techniques:

1. Start with Business Value

   # 1.2 Integration Value Proposition
   
   System A and System B integration creates a unified ecosystem that 
   spans the complete lifecycle of [domain entities]—from initial 
   registration through ongoing updates to final disposition.
   
   **Problem**: Isolated systems lead to administrative inefficiencies, 
   fragmented data, and challenges in service delivery.
   
   **Solution**: Seamless data management across critical events.
   

2. Progressive Detail Expansion

   • Level 1 (Executive): One-paragraph summary
   • Level 2 (Architect): High-level workflow diagram
   • Level 3 (Developer): Step-by-step sequence with API calls
   • Level 4 (Implementer): Code examples and config files

3. Explicit Scope Boundaries

   • Always include "What's NOT in Scope" subsections
   • Document why certain features are excluded
   • Example: "No bulk data migration support—requires custom tooling due to performance constraints"

4. Design Decision Documentation

   ## 3.1 System B as Source of Truth
   
   **Decision**: System A trusts System B data without validation.
   
   **Rationale**: System B is legally authorized source for [domain data]. 
   Deduplication is System B's responsibility.
   
   **Implication**: System A does NOT reject duplicate requests from System B.
   
   **Assumption**: System B performs thorough verification before 
   submitting requests to System A.
   

5. Failure Scenarios as First-Class Content

   • Every workflow includes "Duplicate/Repeated Request Handling"
   • Every workflow includes "Failure Handling" subsection
   • Use tables to compare scenarios:

   | Scenario | Current Handling | Improvement Required? | |----------|------------------|----------------------| | Invalid UIN/VID | Rejected by MOSIP | Provide specific error codes | | Duplicatidentifier | Rejected by system | Provide specific error codes | | Duplicate request | Not rejected | Should system

6. Visual Storytelling

   • Conceptual diagrams for ecosystem views
   • Sequence diagrams for request-response flows
   • Data flow diagrams for system interactions
   • Decision trees for conditional logic

Outputs:

• Section drafts following IA structure
• Visual assets (diagrams, flowcharts)
• Cross-reference mapping

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Phase 5: SME Review & Refinement

Objective: Validate technical accuracy and capture nuanced clarifications.

Review Process:

1. Structured Review Sessions

   • Present draft sections in reading order
   • Ask targeted validation questions:
     • "Is this rationale accurate?"
     • "Are there edge cases we missed?"
     • "What happens if X fails?"

2. Capture Implicit Knowledge

   • SMEs often omit "obvious" details
   • Ask "why" questions repeatedly
   • Document assumptions explicitly

3. Clarification Examples:

   • Question: "What if System B sends duplicate requests?"

   • SME Answer: "We don't reject—System B is source of truth. May result in duplicate records."

   • Documentation: Added as subsection with explicit note

   • Question: "Why doesn't System B get failure notifications?"

   • SME Answer: "Actor-centric model. System B can't take corrective action; actor must resubmit."

   • Documentation: Explained in error handling section with rationale

4. Iterative Refinement

   • Update IA based on new information
   • Add/remove sections as scope clarifies
   • Elevate important concepts to dedicated sections

Outputs:

• Annotated draft with SME feedback
• Updated IA reflecting new structure
• Decision log (what changed and why)

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Phase 6: Usability Testing & Validation

Objective: Ensure documentation enables successful integration without external support.

Testing Methods:

1. Persona-Based Walkthroughs

   • Architect persona: Can they design integration in 2 hours?
   • Developer persona: Can they implement API calls without guessing?
   • Operator persona: Can they troubleshoot failures using guide?

2. Task Completion Tests

   • "Find how to authenticate user during registration" (should reach auth section in <2 min)
   • "Understand what happens if data is sent twice" (should find duplicate handling section)

3. Gap Validation

   • Do all workflows have sequence diagrams?
   • Are all error codes documented?
   • Is every field in API schema explained?

4. Cross-Reference Audit

   • Verify all internal links work
   • Check that references are bidirectional (if Section 4 links to 7, Section 7 should acknowledge usage)

Outputs:

• Usability test report
• Issue list for final polish
• Navigation effectiveness metrics

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Phase 7: Publication & Maintenance Strategy

Objective: Deploy documentation and establish governance for ongoing updates.

Publication Checklist:

• [ ] All sections complete per IA
• [ ] Diagrams rendered correctly
• [ ] Code examples tested
• [ ] Cross-references validated
• [ ] Glossary comprehensive
• [ ] FAQ addresses common questions
• [ ] Change log initialized

Maintenance Framework:

1. Update Triggers

   • API version changes → Update API reference section
   • New use cases → Extend workflows section
   • Policy changes → Update configuration section
   • Operational learnings → Update troubleshooting section

2. Review Cadence

   • Quarterly: Content accuracy review
   • Bi-annually: IA effectiveness assessment
   • Annually: Full restructuring review

3. Ownership Model

   • Content Owner: Documentation team
   • Technical Reviewers: Architects + SMEs
   • Approval Authority: Product manager

Outputs:

• Published documentation (web + PDF)
• Maintenance runbook
• Content governance charter

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Key Documentation Patterns & Best Practices

Pattern 1: "When-What-How" Workflow Structure

Every integration workflow follows this template:

## X.Y Use Case Name

### When Does It Happen?
[Trigger conditions, user context]

### What Does System A Do?
[Processing logic, business rules]

### What Does System B Receive?
[Outputs, notifications, credentials]

### What Is the Workflow?
[Step-by-step sequence]

#### Step 1: [Action]
[Details, required data]

#### Step 2: [Action]
[Details, API calls]

### Required Information
[Data schema, field mappings]

### Duplicate/Repeated Request Handling
[Edge case behavior]

### Failure Scenarios
[Error cases, recovery strategies]

Rationale: Predictable structure reduces cognitive load; readers know where to find specific information.

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Pattern 2: Explicit Assumption Documentation

**Assumption**: This approach assumes that System B is recognized 
as the authoritative source of [domain] data and is legally 
authorized to [perform key function].

When to use: Any design decision that relies on external system behavior.

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Pattern 3: Comparative Tables for Trade-offs

| Approach | Pros | Cons | Use When | |----------|------|------|----------| | Share direct identifier | Simple | Privacy risk | High-trust environment | | Share proxy identifier | Revocable | Requires mapping | Standard case | | Share temporary token | Privacy-preserving | Extra resolution step | Recommended default |

When to use: Explaining configuration options or policy choices.

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Pattern 4: Scenario-Based Error Documentation

| Scenario | Existing Handling | Improvement Required? |
|----------|-------------------|----------------------|
| Invalid identifier | System rejects request | Enhancement: Specific error codes |
| Duplicate request | Not rejected | Should system prevent multiple? |

When to use: Highlighting current limitations and future roadmap.

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Pattern 5: Visual-First Complex Flows

For any workflow with >5 steps or multiple system interactions:

1. Start with conceptual diagram (boxes and arrows)
2. Add sequence diagram (request-response timeline)
3. Follow with step-by-step text (detailed instructions)
4. Conclude with example API request/response

Rationale: Multi-modal learning—some readers prefer visual, others textual.

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Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Pitfall 1: Component-Centric Organization

Problem: Organizing by system modules (APIs, databases, services) instead of user tasks.

Solution: Reorganize by use cases (new registration, status update, data sync). Mention components within workflows.

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Pitfall 2: Burying Critical Decisions

Problem: "System B as Source of Truth" mentioned once in passing, leading to confusion about data validation.

Solution: Elevate to dedicated section in core principles. Reference prominently in all related workflows.

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Pitfall 3: Implicit Assumptions

Problem: Assuming readers know authentication mechanism being used.

Solution: Explicitly state: "The user's identity is authenticated via [Auth Method]."

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Pitfall 4: Missing Edge Cases

Problem: Only documenting happy path, ignoring duplicate requests, failed authentication, etc.

Solution: Mandate "Duplicate/Repeated Request Handling" and "Failure Scenarios" subsections for every workflow.

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Pitfall 5: Inconsistent Terminology

Problem: Using "user," "applicant," "actor," "initiator" interchangeably.

Solution: Define in Glossary, pick primary term, note equivalence across systems.

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Pitfall 6: No "Out of Scope" Statement

Problem: Readers attempt unsupported use cases (e.g., offline integration, bulk migration).

Solution: Dedicated "What's NOT in Scope" section with rationales.

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Pitfall 7: Orphaned Content

Problem: API reference exists but not linked from workflows; troubleshooting guide not referenced in error handling.

Solution: Bidirectional cross-references. Every API mentioned in workflows should link to API reference; error handling should link to troubleshooting.

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SME Collaboration Techniques

Technique 1: "Walk Me Through" Sessions

Ask SME to verbally walk through a workflow while you diagram it live. Reveals implicit steps.

Example: "Walk me through what happens when System B sends a duplicate request for the same entity."

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Technique 2: "What If" Questioning

Challenge assumptions to surface edge cases.

Example: "What if the user's credentials are revoked between authentication and data submission?"

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Technique 3: Rationale Extraction

For every design decision, ask "Why was it done this way?" Document the answer.

Example:

• Decision: Temporary token shared instead of direct identifier
• Rationale: Privacy-preserving; allows downstream operations without exposing sensitive ID

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Technique 4: Failure Scenario Mapping

For each workflow step, ask "What could go wrong here?"

Example:

• Step: Data Manager creates package
• Failure: Storage unavailable → Retry mechanism needed

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Technique 5: Terminology Reconciliation

When SME uses unfamiliar term, immediately clarify and map to existing documentation.

Example:

• SME: "The requestor authenticates..."
• Writer: "Is 'requestor' the same as 'initiator' in System A docs?"
• SME: "Yes, System B calls them requestors."
• Writer: Documents equivalence in Glossary.

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Quality Checklist for Integration Guides

Content Completeness

• [ ] All use cases documented (standard + edge cases)
• [ ] Every workflow has sequence diagram
• [ ] All API endpoints referenced have schema documentation
• [ ] Every error code explained with resolution
• [ ] Failure scenarios documented for each workflow
• [ ] Configuration options clearly marked (default vs optional)

Structural Integrity

• [ ] IA follows progressive disclosure (context → workflows → details)
• [ ] Each section has clear "Who should read this"
• [ ] Reader pathways defined for 3+ personas
• [ ] Cross-references bidirectional (no orphaned content)
• [ ] No duplicate content (single source of truth)

Technical Accuracy

• [ ] SME review completed on all sections
• [ ] Code examples tested (if applicable)
• [ ] API schemas match actual system (version-specific)
• [ ] Deployment prerequisites validated
• [ ] Troubleshooting steps verified

Usability

• [ ] Table of contents navigable (< 3 clicks to any section)
• [ ] Glossary comprehensive (all domain terms defined)
• [ ] Visual aids clear and labeled
• [ ] Examples provided for abstract concepts
• [ ] Quick-start path available (<30 min to first success)

Maintainability

• [ ] Version numbers on doc and APIs
• [ ] Change log initialized
• [ ] Update triggers documented
• [ ] Ownership assigned
• [ ] Review cadence defined

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Tools & Resources

Diagramming

• Sequence Diagrams: Mermaid, PlantUML
• Architecture Diagrams: Draw.io, Lucidchart, Excalidraw
• Data Flow: Graphviz

Documentation Platforms

• Web: Gitbook, Docusaurus, MkDocs
• API Docs: Swagger/OpenAPI, Redoc
• Collaboration: Notion, Confluence

Review & Validation

• Technical Review: GitHub pull requests with SME reviewers
• Usability Testing: UserTesting.com, hallway testing
• Link Validation: markdown-link-check, broken-link-checker

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Benchmarking References

Exemplary Integration Docs

1. Stripe API Docs (https://stripe.com/docs/api)

   • Progressive disclosure (overview → quickstart → reference)
   • Inline code examples in multiple languages
   • Clear error handling section

2. Twilio Documentation (https://www.twilio.com/docs)

   • Use case-driven navigation
   • Multi-language code samples
   • Excellent troubleshooting guides

3. AWS Documentation (https://docs.aws.amazon.com)

   • Persona-based entry points
   • Comprehensive API references
   • Deployment best practices

4. OpenAPI/Swagger Specifications

   • Standardized API documentation
   • Interactive API explorers
   • Schema-driven documentation

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Case Study: Generic System Integration Guide (Anonymized)

Challenge

Existing integration documentation between System A and System B was:

• Scattered across multiple files
• Missing key workflows (status updates, synchronization)
• Lacked rationale for design decisions
• No error handling or edge case coverage
• Unclear scope boundaries

Approach

1. Discovery: Interviewed SMEs, audited existing docs, identified 30+ content gaps
2. Benchmarking: Studied industry-leading integration docs, adopted best practices
3. IA Design: Created 15-section structure with progressive disclosure
4. Content Creation: Wrote comprehensive documentation following consistent patterns
5. Refinement: 3 SME review cycles, captured 15+ design rationales
6. Validation: Defined 5 reader pathways, verified task completion

Key Innovations

• Core Principles Section - Elevated "System B as Source of Truth" to standalone principle
• Out of Scope Section - Explicitly stated unsupported scenarios
• Workflow Subsections - Standardized duplicate handling and failure scenarios
• Visual Aids - Added sequence diagrams for all major workflows
• Decision Log - Documented critical design decisions with rationales

Outcomes

• Comprehensiveness: 0 → 15 major sections, 50+ subsections
• Clarity: 15 design rationales documented, 30+ edge cases covered
• Usability: 5 reader pathways defined, <2 min to find any topic
• Maintainability: Single source of truth, clear update triggers

Artifacts Produced

1. Integration guide (50+ pages, production-ready)
2. Information architecture blueprint (IA design with rationales)
3. SME interview transcripts (knowledge capture)
4. Gap analysis report (before/after)
5. Decision log (design rationale audit trail)

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Your Task as Integration Guide Writer

When assigned to document a new integration:

Step 1: Discovery (Week 1)

• [ ] Identify stakeholder personas (minimum 3)
• [ ] Audit existing documentation (create content inventory)
• [ ] Schedule SME interviews (2-3 sessions)
• [ ] Research industry benchmarks (2-3 comparable systems)

Step 2: Gap Analysis (Week 1-2)

• [ ] Create gap analysis spreadsheet (missing sections, incomplete workflows)
• [ ] Benchmark learnings document (what to adopt from leaders)
• [ ] Standards compliance checklist (relevant frameworks)

Step 3: IA Design (Week 2)

• [ ] Draft hierarchical structure (10-15 sections recommended)
• [ ] Define reader pathways (3-5+ personas)
• [ ] Design workflow templates (subsection structure)
• [ ] Plan visual assets (diagram types, placement)
• [ ] Reference: See ia-skill.md for detailed methodology

Step 4: Content Creation (Weeks 3-6)

• [ ] Write in layers (context → patterns → details)
• [ ] Follow workflow template (when-what-how)
• [ ] Document failure scenarios for every workflow
• [ ] Create diagrams (conceptual → sequence → data flow)

Step 5: SME Review (Weeks 5-7, overlapping with creation)

• [ ] Structured review sessions (validate accuracy)
• [ ] Capture rationales (why decisions made)
• [ ] Update IA based on new information
• [ ] Maintain decision log

Step 6: Validation (Week 8)

• [ ] Persona walkthroughs (can they complete tasks?)
• [ ] Cross-reference audit (all links work?)
• [ ] Completeness check (all sections per IA?)

Step 7: Publication (Week 9)

• [ ] Deploy to platform (web + PDF)
• [ ] Create maintenance runbook
• [ ] Define governance (ownership, review cadence)

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Success Metrics

A well-executed integration guide achieves:

1. Reduced Time-to-Understanding: Readers identify relevant sections in <2 minutes
2. Self-Service Rate: 80%+ of questions answerable without external support
3. Implementation Success: Integration teams complete setup with <5 clarification requests
4. Maintenance Efficiency: 90%+ of updates require changes in ≤2 sections (low coupling)
5. User Satisfaction: Post-integration survey shows 4.5+/5 documentation quality

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Final Recommendations

For Single-Author Projects

• Prioritize IA design (week 2) before writing—restructuring later is costly
• Use templates religiously (workflow subsections, visual placement)
• Maintain decision log from day 1 (rationales forgotten quickly)

For Team Projects

• Assign section ownership but require cross-review (prevent siloed knowledge)
• Weekly sync on IA changes (keep structure aligned)
• Shared glossary document (terminology consistency)

For Evolving Products

• Version documentation alongside product (API v2 → Guide v2)
• Deprecation notices prominent (what's changing, migration path)
• Change log maintained per release (what's new, what's removed)

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Conclusion

Effective integration guides are not just reference manuals—they are knowledge products that:

• Accelerate integration timelines (weeks → days)
• Reduce support burden (80%+ self-service)
• Build trust through transparency (design rationales documented)
• Enable successful outcomes (first integration attempt succeeds)

This skill equips you to create documentation that serves the reader's journey, not just the system's architecture.

Your mission: Turn complex integrations into clear pathways to success.

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Appendix: Templates

Template A: Workflow Documentation

## X.Y [Use Case Name]

### When Does It Happen?
[Trigger conditions, business context]

### What Does System A Do?
[Processing logic, validations, transformations]

### What Does System B Receive?
[Outputs, notifications, credentials]

### What Is the Workflow?

#### Step 1: [Action Name]
1. [Actor] performs [action]
2. [System component] validates [data]
3. On success, proceeds to Step 2

**Required Information**:
- Field 1: [Description, format, example]
- Field 2: [Description, format, example]

#### Step 2: [Action Name]
[Repeat structure]

### Sequence Diagram
[Mermaid/PlantUML code or embedded image]

### Duplicate/Repeated Request Handling
**Scenario 1**: Same request ID used multiple times
- **Behavior**: [What happens]
- **Rationale**: [Why this design]

**Scenario 2**: Same data, different request IDs
- **Behavior**: [What happens]
- **Rationale**: [Why this design]

### Failure Scenarios

| Scenario | Cause | System Response | User Action |
|----------|-------|----------------|-------------|
| Invalid UIN | UIN not in DB | Reject with error code X | Verify UIN, retry |
| Network timeout | Object store down | Retry 3x, then fail | Check logs, resubmit |

### Example Request/Response

**Request**:
```json
{
  "field1": "value1",
  "field2": "value2"
}

Response (Success):

{
  "status": "success",
  "credentialId": "abc123"
}

Response (Failure):

{
  "status": "error",
  "errorCode": "INVALID_UIN",
  "message": "UIN not found in system"
}

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### Template B: API Reference Entry

```markdown
### X.Y.Z [API Name]

**Endpoint**: `POST /api/v1/resource`  
**Authentication**: OAuth2 Bearer Token  
**Rate Limit**: 100 requests/minute

#### Description
[What this API does, when to use it]

#### Request Parameters

| Parameter | Type | Required | Description | Example |
|-----------|------|----------|-------------|---------|
| field1 | string | Yes | [Purpose] | "value1" |
| field2 | integer | No | [Purpose, default] | 123 |

#### Request Schema
```json
{
  "field1": "string",
  "field2": 0,
  "nestedObject": {
    "subfield": "string"
  }
}

Response Schema (Success)

{
  "status": "success",
  "data": {
    "id": "string",
    "timestamp": "ISO8601"
  }
}

Error Codes

| Code | Message | Cause | Resolution | |------|---------|-------|------------| | 400 | INVALID_REQUEST | Missing required field | Check request schema | | 401 | UNAUTHORIZED | Invalid token | Refresh OAuth token | | 404 | NOT_FOUND | Resource doesn't exist | Verify resource ID |

Example Usage (cURL)

curl -X POST https://api.example.com/v1/resource \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "field1": "value1",
    "field2": 123
  }'

Related Sections

• Authentication Setup
• Error Handling
• Workflow: Birth Registration

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**Document Version**: 2.0  
**Last Updated**: 25 January 2026  
**Next Review**: 25 April 2026  
**Maintained By**: MOSIP Documentation Team