The world of software development moves fast. Technology is constantly changing, as are the tools we use with it, and even the role of a programmer is itself constantly in flux. However, some aspects of software engineering are so foundational that while they might change, they are ever-present. Documentation is one of these practices.
Often overlooked compared to the code itself, documentation plays a crucial role in enhancing clarity and efficiency, helping to make complex projects more manageable.
The Benefits are Obvious
The core of documentation lies in its ability to unify everyone involved in a project, from developers to external stakeholders. When documentation is well-maintained, it acts as an anchor that keeps the development process grounded, ensuring that all team members are on the same page.
By documenting decisions and changes throughout the project lifecycle, teams avert miscommunication, which is a common pitfall in multi-team collaboration.
Furthermore, without quality docs, a large-scale codebase is near impossible to navigate for a new developer joining the team. A thorough body of documentation is an excellent tool for new developers onboarding on to a team, reducing the initial confusion and making it easier for newcomers to contribute effectively.
What Does Quality Documentation Look Like?
If you work in a small team, or on a small-scale project, you may not have encountered quality documentation, so find yourself asking what good docs actually look like. Well firstly, it's more than sporadic README files or GitHub comments.
Specification docs are essential. Here, we detail functional and non-functional requirements, so we're clear on exactly what we're building and how we hope to achieve it.
Design docs outline the system’s architecture, including UX considerations and API designs, much like blueprints paint a visual picture for a property architect.
Source code comments are ideal for 'in the moment' guidance for developers who are actively working on the code itself. These comments offer inline explanations for intricate code segments, which again make it much easier to understand without having to read line-by-line.
Release notes offer the big picture of the products' life cycle, showing how it has changed over time and communicating version changes and updates.
Finally, test documentation captures testing protocols and results.
Together, these elements piece together a comprehensive view of the project, optimising communication and collaboration.
Future-Proofing
One of the most understated advantages of documentation is its contribution to future-proofing. Developers often struggle to recall past implementations, especially if they need to troubleshoot or iterate on previous work months or years later. This is where well-documented code provides immense value—saving time, preventing redundancy, and reducing the likelihood of errors.
Additionally, for teams that prioritise documentation, the perspective of handling legal and compliance requirements can be far less daunting, especially in sectors with stringent regulations. Documentation becomes not a task to check off, but a strategy for maintaining the health and longevity of the codebase (and perhaps the organisation, too).
How to Improve Your Docs Today
While the benefits are clear, consistent documentation can be challenging.
Many developers perceive it as time-consuming, diverting valuable hours from coding to writing. However, rethinking this task as a solid investment can shift this mindset. The time spent documenting is exponentially returned in saved resources when future issues are more seamlessly navigated due to clear documentation.
So, to improve your documentation today, here's a few simple tips to get you going. Firstly, treat your docs like anything else in software development, an iterative, living document that evolves alongside the code.
Secondly, incorporate writing as a habit. Regularly reserve time for writing and updating documentation, just like code reviews or stand-up meetings. Rather than seeing it as a 'nice to have', consider it an essential part of your software development process.
Thirdly, leverage tools that integrate with your development process, like GitHub Pages for accessibility and markdown for simplicity. This way, developers will feel like documentation is part of the development process, rather than a separate one entirely.
Conclusion
For developers ready to elevate their expertise, incorporating thorough documentation into daily practice holds the key. Beyond improving the software itself, it fosters personal growth in understanding and articulating complex systems.
The next time you skip over documenting your code, telling yourself "it's okay, I'll remember how it works" just know that this is the reason you should do it. You won't remember, your codebase will change and become harder to navigate, and documentation is the key.
To explore this topic further, watch Luise Freese's talk from the World Congress 2024 to learn all about the art of writing documentation to make your apps (and your developers) better.
