Documentation

Documentation is written or communicable material that describes, explains, or instructs about the attributes, use, or development of a product, system, or process. It serves to provide clear information and guidance to users, developers, or stakeholders involved with the product or service.

Key points about documentation include:

• It can take many forms such as user manuals, technical guides, online help resources, design plans, technical specifications, policies, procedures, and lessons learned during projects.
• There are two main types:
  • Product documentation: Describes the product itself, including requirements, technical specs, user manuals, and how to operate or interact with the product.
  • Process documentation: Covers the development timeline, standards, project plans, test itineraries, and records of decisions made during the creation process.
• Documentation is essential for knowledge management, helping teams understand, maintain, and improve products or services over time.
• It supports users by providing instructions and troubleshooting help, which can reduce support burdens and improve user experience.
• Good documentation should be clear, concise, easy to read, and culturally neutral to ensure it is accessible and useful to its intended audience.

In software development specifically, documentation describes the software product to developers, deployers, and users, covering tasks like installation, customization, administration, and maintenance. It is often integrated into the software interface or provided as separate manuals and online help.

Overall, documentation is a critical tool for communication, collaboration, and continuity within organizations and between product creators and users.