Coder encode/decode context documentation is lacking

[kennknowles]

Coder encode/decode context documentation is lacking.

• Documentation of Coder methods encode and decode should include description of context argument and explain how to relate to it when implementing.
• Consider renaming the static Context values NESTED and OUTER to more accurate names.
• Emphasize the use of CoderProperties as the best way to test a coder.

Original dev list discussion

Imported from Jira BEAM-1448. Original Jira may contain additional context.
Reported by: aviemzur.

[Subramanya-Veeregowda]

Hi, I would like to work on this issue.

I have been contributing to Apache Beam documentation and examples recently, and I’m interested in improving the documentation for coder encode/decode context.

Could you please confirm if this issue is still relevant and guide me if there are any specific expectations?

Thanks!

[Subramanya-Veeregowda]

I have started looking into this and identified that the current documentation does not clearly explain the role of the context parameter in encode/decode methods.

I will work on improving this section with clearer explanations and examples.