Component Usage Examples

Component usage examples demonstrate how to implement design system components in real code, bridging the gap between API documentation and practical application. Effective examples show not just syntax but context, helping developers understand when and how to use components appropriately. Examples often serve as the primary learning resource for new design system users.

What Are Component Usage Examples

Component usage examples are code samples that show components being used in realistic scenarios. These examples go beyond minimal API demonstrations to show components configured for actual use cases. They include necessary imports, realistic prop values, and surrounding context that developers would encounter in applications.

Usage examples complement API documentation by showing props in action rather than listing them in isolation. While prop tables explain what options exist, examples demonstrate how those options combine to solve specific problems. Many developers learn by adapting examples rather than reading reference documentation.

How Component Usage Examples Work

Effective usage examples follow a progression from basic to advanced. Initial examples show the simplest possible usage with minimal props, establishing baseline component behavior. Subsequent examples introduce additional props one or two at a time, demonstrating their effects. Advanced examples show complex configurations and composition with other components.

Each example should have a clear purpose stated in accompanying text. This context helps developers identify which example matches their needs. Examples without explanation force developers to reverse-engineer intent from code.

Documentation platforms render examples with both code and output, allowing developers to see results without running code locally. Interactive examples let developers modify code and observe changes, accelerating the learning process. Copy buttons reduce friction when developers want to use examples as starting points.

Key Considerations

• Examples should use realistic content rather than placeholder text like Lorem ipsum to demonstrate actual usage
• Each example should demonstrate one concept clearly rather than combining multiple features
• Progression from basic to advanced helps developers at different experience levels
• Copy functionality enables developers to use examples as implementation starting points

Common Questions

How many examples should each component have?

The appropriate number of examples depends on component complexity and variant count. Simple components may need only two or three examples covering primary use cases. Complex components with many props and variants benefit from more examples, potentially organized into categories. Each documented prop combination that developers commonly need should have an example. Teams should add examples in response to support questions, as repeated questions indicate missing examples. Balance comprehensiveness with maintainability, as examples require updates when components change.

Should examples show anti-patterns and incorrect usage?

Showing incorrect usage alongside correct usage helps developers avoid common mistakes. Do and don’t patterns present correct and incorrect approaches side by side with explanations of why each is right or wrong. This format addresses misuse proactively rather than relying on developers to discover problems themselves. Anti-pattern examples require careful framing to prevent developers from copying the wrong code. Clear visual differentiation and explicit labels prevent confusion about which code to follow.

Summary

Component usage examples serve as primary learning resources for design system users. Effective examples progress from basic to advanced, include clear context, and cover common use cases. Interactive rendering and copy functionality reduce friction between documentation and implementation.