Best Practices for Embedding API Playgrounds

Why Embed Playgrounds?

Embedded playgrounds bring interactivity to wherever developers are learning:

Embedding Methods

Method 1: iframe Embed

The simplest approach - works anywhere HTML is supported.

<iframe
  src="https://tryapi.dev/embed/abc123"
  width="100%"
  height="500"
  frameborder="0"
  allow="clipboard-write"
></iframe>

Pros: Universal compatibility, isolated styling

Cons: Fixed height, limited communication

Method 2: JavaScript Widget

More control and better integration.

<div id="tryapi-playground" data-playground="abc123"></div>
<script src="https://tryapi.dev/widget.js" async></script>

Pros: Dynamic sizing, event callbacks, theme matching

Cons: Requires JavaScript, more setup

Method 3: React Component

For React-based documentation sites.

import { Playground } from '@tryapi/react';

function MyDocs() {
  return (
    <Playground
      id="abc123"
      theme="dark"
      onSuccess={(response) => console.log('API called!')}
    />
  );
}

Pros: Full React integration, type safety

Cons: React-only

Sizing and Layout

Responsive Height

Playgrounds need vertical space. Here are recommended minimums:

Width Considerations

.playground-container {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 1200px;
  min-width: 400px;
  height: 500px;
}

Theme Integration

Match your playground to your site's design:

TryAPI.configure({
  theme: {
    mode: 'dark', // or 'light'
    primaryColor: '#00D4AA',
    fontFamily: 'Inter, sans-serif',
    borderRadius: '8px'
  }
});

Security Considerations

Domain Whitelisting

Restrict where your playgrounds can be embedded:

// In playground settings
{
  allowedDomains: [
    'docs.yourcompany.com',
    'blog.yourcompany.com',
    'localhost:*' // for development
  ]
}

Content Security Policy

If your site has CSP headers, allow the playground domain:

Content-Security-Policy: frame-src 'self' https://tryapi.dev

API Key Safety

Never embed playgrounds with production API keys. Use:

Performance Optimization

Lazy Loading

Don't load playgrounds until they're visible:

<iframe
  src="https://tryapi.dev/embed/abc123"
  loading="lazy"
></iframe>

Placeholder Loading

Show a skeleton while the playground loads:

<Playground
  id="abc123"
  placeholder={<PlaygroundSkeleton />}
/>

Analytics and Tracking

Track playground engagement:

TryAPI.on('request', (event) => {
  analytics.track('Playground Request', {
    playgroundId: event.playgroundId,
    endpoint: event.endpoint,
    success: event.success
  });
});

TryAPI.on('copy', (event) => {
  analytics.track('Code Copied', {
    language: event.language
  });
});

Common Embedding Patterns

Documentation Pages

[Explanation of endpoint]
[Parameter table]
[Embedded playground - pre-filled with example]
[Response documentation]

Tutorial Posts

[Step 1 explanation]
[Playground for Step 1]
[Step 2 explanation]
[Playground for Step 2 - building on Step 1]
...

Landing Pages

[Hero headline]
[Embedded playground - your best demo]
[Social proof]
[CTA to sign up]

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Playground not loading

Wrong theme

Response not showing

Measuring Success

Track these metrics for embedded playgrounds:

Healthy benchmarks: 80%+ load, 40%+ interaction, 60%+ request, 25%+ copy.