Documentation Guidelines

This section provides comprehensive guidelines for creating various types of documentation. Each guide is designed to help you produce clear, structured, and AI-accessible documentation that can be easily understood by both humans and AI systems.

Available Documentation Guides

API Documentation

API Documentation Guide - Guidelines for documenting APIs, endpoints, request/response formats, and authentication methods.

Database Documentation

Database Design Guide - Guidelines for documenting database schemas, relationships, and data models.

Feature/Product Documentation

Feature Documentation Guide - Guidelines for documenting features, products, and user-facing functionality.

Infrastructure Documentation

Infrastructure Setup Guide - Guidelines for documenting infrastructure components, architecture, and deployment processes.

Integration Documentation

Integration Guide - Guidelines for documenting integration points, webhooks, and third-party connections.

Usage Documentation

Usage Guide - Guidelines for creating usage instructions, tutorials, and how-to guides.

Writing AI-Friendly Documentation

When creating documentation, keep in mind that both humans and AI systems may use it. Follow these principles to make your documentation AI-friendly:

Use Clear Structure: Organize content with consistent headings and sections
Provide Concrete Examples: Include real, working examples rather than placeholders
Be Explicit: Don’t rely on implicit knowledge or assume familiarity with systems
Use Proper Formatting: Format code blocks, lists, and tables correctly
Avoid Ambiguity: Use precise terminology and avoid vague references
Include Context: Provide necessary context for understanding isolated sections
Use Descriptive Links: Make link text describe what’s being linked to

Best Practices for All Documentation

Keep it Updated: Documentation should be maintained and updated whenever the related code or systems change
Be Concise: Use clear, concise language. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex explanations
Use Examples: Include practical examples to illustrate concepts and usage
Include Diagrams: Visual representations often communicate better than text alone
Structure Properly: Use consistent headings, lists, and formatting for better readability
Consider the Audience: Write with your audience in mind (developers, end-users, stakeholders)
Include Version Information: Clearly indicate which version of software or systems the documentation applies to
Cross-Reference: Link to related documentation or resources where appropriate
Validate Accuracy: Regularly review documentation for accuracy, especially after system changes
Provide Search Terms: Include relevant keywords to make documentation discoverable

For more detailed information on documentation standards and processes, contact the Documentation team.