1 min readWriting
Writing documentation people can actually use
Structure technical documentation around reader goals, concrete examples, and clear next steps.
Useful documentation helps someone complete a task. It does not need to explain every internal detail before the reader can take the first meaningful step.
Lead with the outcome
Tell readers what they will accomplish and what they need before starting. This lets them decide quickly whether they are in the right place.
Prefer complete examples
Examples should include enough context to run or adapt them. Fragments are helpful only when the surrounding structure is already obvious.
Explain important decisions
Document the reasons behind constraints and unusual choices. Commands can be rediscovered, but the context behind a decision is often lost.