Documentation is crucial to any software project, guiding users, developers, and stakeholders in understanding how to use, maintain, and improve the product. However, for documentation to stay helpful, it needs to evolve with the software itself. Enter the Software Documentation Lifecycle, a framework that helps ensure your documentation stays accurate, useful, and up-to-date at each … Continue reading The Software Documentation Lifecycle from Start to Finish
Tag: writing-tips
When to Use Ordered vs. Unordered Lists in Technical Documentation
Clarity and organization are paramount in technical documentation. As readers navigate complex information, how content is presented can significantly impact their understanding and usability. Ordered (numbered) and unordered (bullet point) lists are essential for effectively structuring information using the various formatting tools. But how do you decide when to use one over the other? Understanding … Continue reading When to Use Ordered vs. Unordered Lists in Technical Documentation
Choosing Between Bullet Points and Tables in Technical Documentation
When creating technical documentation, the format in which you present information can greatly influence how users engage with and understand the content. Bullet points and tables are two versatile options that provide structure and clarity. However, each has unique strengths and is suited to different types of information. Understanding when to use a bullet-point list … Continue reading Choosing Between Bullet Points and Tables in Technical Documentation
Cutting-Edge Trends and Techniques in Technical Documentation
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the approach to technical documentation is transforming to meet the needs of diverse users and platforms. As technology advances, innovative methods such as interactive documentation, microlearning, and API-driven content creation are reshaping how information is conveyed and consumed. These developments allow for more engaging and efficient ways to present … Continue reading Cutting-Edge Trends and Techniques in Technical Documentation
Strategies for Startup Technical Writing
Technical writing is indispensable for startups. It plays a critical role in enhancing product usability, facilitating both internal and external communication, supporting agile development, building brand credibility, ensuring compliance, and ultimately contributing to the startup's success. By prioritizing technical writing, startups can secure a competitive edge and effectively navigate the complexities of growth and change. … Continue reading Strategies for Startup Technical Writing
User Guides vs Tutorials
Technical documentation provides some nifty tools to help the audience gain new capabilities. Two of these tools are user guides and tutorials. At first glance, they may seem similar. The following table compares and contrasts them for better understanding and implementation. AspectUser GuideTutorialPurposeComprehensive instructions on all features and functions of a product.Step-by-step guide to complete … Continue reading User Guides vs Tutorials
Commas Are Hard, but You’ve Got to Know Them
In an undergraduate English class I took, a teacher offered A's to anyone that used commas correctly in their papers. No one did it. This kicked off my journey to discover what made commas so difficult, and to learn how they're supposed to be used. Prior to college, I'd learned commas were placed with natural … Continue reading Commas Are Hard, but You’ve Got to Know Them
Double Yew! 