5 Writing technical documentation

Lead developers must learn how to write and manage technical documentation because it helps to clearly communicate the design and functionality of a software system to both internal and external stakeholders. This includes other developers on the team, as well as project managers, QA engineers, and other nontechnical team members.

Technical documentation also helps to ensure that a software application is easy to maintain and update over time. Clear documentation can make it easier for new developers to understand the codebase and quickly become productive. It also can help to prevent errors and confusion by providing a clear and accurate reference for how the system is supposed to work. Additionally, technical documentation can be used as a training tool for new team members, and it can also be used to create user manuals and other forms of end-user documentation.

5.1 Setting the team up for success

5.1.1 Documenting everything

5.1.2 Managing technical debt

5.1.3 Onboarding new developers

5.2 Structuring documentation

5.2.1 Chunking the content

5.2.2 Using visual aids

5.2.3 Including an introduction and summary

5.3 Creating the content

5.3.1 Starting with an outline

5.3.2 Writing specific instructions

5.3.3 Getting right to the point

5.3.4 Using a style guide

5.4 Implementing a documentation maintenance cycle

5.4.1 Testing the documentation

5.4.2 Getting feedback

5.4.3 Setting a documentation maintenance window

5.5 Case study

5.5.1 How has writing proper documentation helped you set your team up for success?

5.5.2 Have you received feedback from other developers about your documentation? Did they suggest any improvements, and what were the suggestions?