Feedback: api-reference-streaming-api-generate-streaming-token

Documentation Feedback

Original URL: https://assemblyai.com/docs/api-reference/streaming-api/generate-streaming-token
Category: api-reference
Generated: 05/08/2025, 4:31:36 pm

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Claude Sonnet 4 Feedback

Generated: 05/08/2025, 4:31:35 pm

Technical Documentation Analysis & Feedback

Overview

This API reference documentation has several critical issues that significantly impact usability. Here’s my detailed analysis with specific recommendations for improvement.

🚨 Critical Issues

1. Missing Response Body Structure

Problem: No example of successful response format Impact: Users can’t understand what data they’ll receive Fix: Add complete response examples:

{
  "token": "eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9...",
  "expires_at": "2024-01-15T14:30:00Z",
  "expires_in": 3600
}

2. Incomplete Parameter Documentation

Problem: Missing data types, constraints, and default values Fix: Enhance parameter descriptions:

## Query Parameters

| Parameter | Type | Required | Description | Constraints | Default |
|-----------|------|----------|-------------|-------------|---------|
| `expires_in_seconds` | integer | Yes | Token expiration time in seconds | 60-86400 (1 min - 24 hours) | N/A |
| `max_session_duration_seconds` | integer | No | Maximum streaming session duration | 300-14400 (5 min - 4 hours) | 3600 |

3. Redundant and Poor Examples

Problem: 5 identical examples with placeholder values Fix: Replace with diverse, realistic examples:

# Basic token (1 hour expiration)
curl -G https://streaming.assemblyai.com/v3/token \
     -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
     -d expires_in_seconds=3600

# Short-lived token with session limit
curl -G https://streaming.assemblyai.com/v3/token \
     -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
     -d expires_in_seconds=1800 \
     -d max_session_duration_seconds=900

📋 Missing Information

Authentication Details

Add section explaining:

• API key format and location
• Authorization header format (Bearer vs other schemes)
• How to obtain API keys

Error Response Examples

// 400 Bad Request
{
  "error": "Invalid parameter",
  "message": "expires_in_seconds must be between 60 and 86400"
}

// 401 Unauthorized
{
  "error": "Unauthorized",
  "message": "Invalid API key"
}

Rate Limiting Information

## Rate Limits
- 100 requests per minute per API key
- Rate limit headers included in response:
  - `X-RateLimit-Limit`: Request limit per window
  - `X-RateLimit-Remaining`: Requests remaining
  - `X-RateLimit-Reset`: Window reset time (Unix timestamp)

🔧 Structure Improvements

Recommended Page Structure:

1. Overview - Brief description and use cases
2. Authentication - API key requirements
3. Request Format - Endpoint, method, headers
4. Parameters - Detailed table format
5. Response Format - Success and error examples
6. Rate Limits - Usage constraints
7. Examples - Multiple realistic scenarios
8. Error Handling - Common issues and solutions
9. Next Steps - Links to streaming API usage

Add Overview Section:

## Overview
Generate temporary authentication tokens for AssemblyAI's real-time streaming transcription service. These tokens provide secure, time-limited access for client-side applications without exposing your primary API key.

**Use cases:**
- Browser-based streaming transcription
- Mobile app integration
- Temporary access delegation

🎯 User Experience Improvements

1. Add Integration Guidance

## Using the Token
Once generated, use the temporary token to establish WebSocket connections:

```javascript
const ws = new WebSocket('wss://streaming.assemblyai.com/v3/stream', {
  headers: {
    'Authorization': `Bearer ${temporaryToken}`
  }
});

2. Security Best Practices

## Security Considerations
- Generate tokens server-side to protect your API key
- Use shortest practical expiration time
- Implement token refresh logic for long sessions
- Never expose primary API keys in client-side code

3. Troubleshooting Section

## Common Issues
- **"Token expired"**: Generate new token before expiration
- **"Invalid API key"**: Verify API key format and permissions
- **"Rate limit exceeded"**: Implement exponential backoff

📱 Additional Enhancements

Language Examples

Add examples in popular languages:

• JavaScript/Node.js
• Python
• Java
• Go

Interactive Elements

• Add “Try it” functionality
• Copy-to-clipboard buttons
• Parameter validation

Cross-References

• Link to streaming API documentation
• Reference WebSocket connection guide
• Point to authentication overview

Summary

This documentation needs significant enhancement to be production-ready. The most critical fixes are adding response examples, improving parameter documentation, and providing realistic usage examples. Focus on completing the missing information first, then improve structure and user experience elements.

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