Document or Die: The Importance of Writing Things Down in Tech

I used to think documentation was just an optional ''docu-maybe-tion'', but boy was I wrong! It turns out that skipping documentation can really come back to byte you in the code. I learned this the hard way at work, when the previous team left us without a single document, and we had to spend so much time deciphering their code that we could have written a whole new feature in the time it took us!

So, if you want to avoid getting caught in a 'docu-mess', make sure to prioritize documentation in your projects.

What the heck is technical documentation?

Process of creating detailed, accurate, and comprehensive records of a software system's design, functionality, and code. It serves as a valuable reference for developers, stakeholders, and clients, aiding in the development, maintenance, and understanding of the software system.

But seriously why is it required?

Technical documentation is critical in software engineering as it helps developers and other stakeholders understand the system's functionality, design, and code. It acts as a reference for future developers and helps ensure that the knowledge and expertise gained during the development process are not lost. Additionally, documentation can aid in identifying and resolving issues, reducing development time and costs. It also helps maintain consistency in code and design, reducing errors and improving maintainability.

Is there more than 1 type of document?

• Requirements documentation: This includes documentation of the requirements for the software system, such as the functional and non-functional requirements.

• Design documentation: This includes documentation of the system's architecture, design decisions, and technical specifications.

• User documentation: This includes documentation that is intended for end-users, such as user manuals, tutorials, and help documents.

• Technical documentation: This includes documentation that is intended for developers, such as code comments, API documentation, and technical specifications.

• Test documentation: This includes documentation related to testing, such as test plans, test cases, and test results.

• Maintenance documentation: This includes documentation related to maintaining and updating the software system, such as bug reports, change logs, and release notes.

Watch for poor documentation red flags

• The documentation is not properly structured or easily accessible to all team members.

• There is no established task in the project management system with defined responsibilities and regular deadlines.

• Clear standards for documentation, quality assessment, and updates are not in place.

• Only a few team members are responsible for maintaining the documentation instead of the entire team.

• Without the help of a technical writer, the documentation can be challenging for anyone who needs to access it."

A joint operation

Creating proper documentation is not the responsibility of a single person, but a collective effort of all members involved in the software development process. Documentation is not just limited to developers, but includes the work of different departments, such as designers, analysts, and marketers.

By involving everyone in the documentation process, the resulting documentation will cover all aspects of the software development process and provide complete and accurate information. This collaborative approach also helps to ensure that documentation is not overlooked or neglected in the rush to meet project deadlines. Additionally, having a technical writer with strong technical knowledge and writing skills can help to ensure that the final documentation is not only comprehensive but also easy to understand and use.

Maintaining Up-to-Date Documentation

It is crucial to ensure that documentation accurately represents the current state of processes or products.
If neglected, it becomes useless and hinders the development process. To maintain up-to-date documentation, updating should be treated as a parallel task to product development and follow a set schedule.
Employing version control for documentation management can simplify the process and ensure accuracy.

Some of the best tools in market

• Atlassian Confluence: A widely used documentation tool for teams that offers a variety of features such as team collaboration, project management, and content creation.

• Git README: A simple and effective tool for creating documentation in code repositories using Markdown syntax.

• ReadTheDocs: An open-source platform for creating and hosting documentation, with support for multiple programming languages and integration with version control systems.

• Sphinx: A documentation generator tool that supports a wide range of markup languages, including reStructuredText and Markdown.

• Doxygen: A tool for generating documentation from source code, with support for multiple programming languages and output formats.

• Docusaurus: A Facebook-initiated open-source tool that helps create and publish documentation websites.

These are just a few examples of the many tools available for technical documentation in software development.

Bottom Line

Documentation isn't just for reports, my friend. We document like it's going out of style at every stage of development. It keeps our code clean, our quality high, and our process understandable.

Keep Learning, Keep Growing!

Cheers,
Ujjwal
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