Consistent API design

When designing and modifying APIs, ensure consistency in parameter naming, default values, and which functionality is exposed. Each API design decision should:

1. Use parameter names that clearly communicate their purpose and behavior
2. Choose default values that align with expected behavior and maintain backward compatibility
3. Only expose methods and properties with justified use cases
4. Document parameter behavior thoroughly, especially when multiple interpretations are possible

For example, when adding new parameters like in the truncate method:

def truncate(self, max_length, stride=0, left=True):
    """Truncate the sequence(s) represented by this encoding
    
    Args:
        max_length: The maximum length to truncate to
        stride: The length of the stride to use
        left: Whether to truncate left (True) or right (False)
    """
    # implementation

Ensure the parameter name (left) clearly indicates what True and False values will do, and consider whether the default value matches users’ expectations and existing behavior. Document any parameters that might have ambiguous interpretations to prevent confusion.