Ideal Ways Of Writing Software Documentation
Irrespective of the nature of business, computers have become indispensable for practically any company the world over. Like all sophisticated devices, computers need to come with a manual to help the user understand the functions and how it works. In some cases it may be the programmer who performs the role of writing software documentation but it is mostly a technical writer who does it.
Technical writing is the generic term for this type of literature. Technical writers need to be familiar with software including the logic that is behind it. Though they may not fully appreciate the minor details of the technology, it is their job to make sure that what they write is accurate.
The job of technical writers is to simplify the complex technical words and phrases of programmers so that non-technical users will not be overwhelmed. Novices should be able to understand exactly how an application is to be started and used, for them to comfortably work with the menus. Programmers have the habit of lapsing into puzzling technical language which leaves users in the dark.
Many regular programs dont need to be explained and are straight forward enough to require minimal documentation. When it comes to the gaming world the game itself instructs the user and as the levels progress the complex functions are explained with tips and tricks. However this would not work when it comes to explaining how a power station runs.
A technical writer needs to put himself in the place of the end user to understand and explain a software and how to work with it. Writers have to keep formatting and standards of content in mind when explaining how to start and deal with problems. The concerned company will also prescribe a style for the writing tone of the manual to reflect its image.
Prior to writing, writers must know who they are writing the manual for. Technical language will be lost on non-technical people who require simple writing. But for IT professionals, technical terms are preferred to incorporate into their support requirements.
The entire documentation should be concise, laid out and have a logical flow. The length and size depends mostly on how complex the application is. Certain types can be very long whereas some could be just a few pages.
No matter how long the manual and what the format may be, there are certain facts that users need to know. Firstly they have to be told how to get the application started, what its uses are and how to tackle problems that may arise. The use of menu diagrams is advisable as are screenshots to give a clearer understanding in print as well as online.
An effective way of writing software documentation would be for the writer to rope in the user along with the programmer. This gives the opportunity to the user to identify ambiguous portions and the programmer checks for technical inaccuracies. The purpose of a software manual is to provide the information in its entirety in a manner that is easily understood.
Technical writing is the generic term for this type of literature. Technical writers need to be familiar with software including the logic that is behind it. Though they may not fully appreciate the minor details of the technology, it is their job to make sure that what they write is accurate.
The job of technical writers is to simplify the complex technical words and phrases of programmers so that non-technical users will not be overwhelmed. Novices should be able to understand exactly how an application is to be started and used, for them to comfortably work with the menus. Programmers have the habit of lapsing into puzzling technical language which leaves users in the dark.
Many regular programs dont need to be explained and are straight forward enough to require minimal documentation. When it comes to the gaming world the game itself instructs the user and as the levels progress the complex functions are explained with tips and tricks. However this would not work when it comes to explaining how a power station runs.
A technical writer needs to put himself in the place of the end user to understand and explain a software and how to work with it. Writers have to keep formatting and standards of content in mind when explaining how to start and deal with problems. The concerned company will also prescribe a style for the writing tone of the manual to reflect its image.
Prior to writing, writers must know who they are writing the manual for. Technical language will be lost on non-technical people who require simple writing. But for IT professionals, technical terms are preferred to incorporate into their support requirements.
The entire documentation should be concise, laid out and have a logical flow. The length and size depends mostly on how complex the application is. Certain types can be very long whereas some could be just a few pages.
No matter how long the manual and what the format may be, there are certain facts that users need to know. Firstly they have to be told how to get the application started, what its uses are and how to tackle problems that may arise. The use of menu diagrams is advisable as are screenshots to give a clearer understanding in print as well as online.
An effective way of writing software documentation would be for the writer to rope in the user along with the programmer. This gives the opportunity to the user to identify ambiguous portions and the programmer checks for technical inaccuracies. The purpose of a software manual is to provide the information in its entirety in a manner that is easily understood.
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