Why Docs as Code Should Be Part of Your Dev Cycle

Why Docs as Code Should Be Part of Your Dev Cycle

Documentation is an essential aspect of any product. It serves as the face of the product, providing users with valuable information and instructions. One approach that has gained popularity in recent years is the Docs as Code approach. This approach treats documentation as code, using the same tools and processes as software development to manage and publish documentation. In this article, we will explore why incorporating Docs as Code into your development cycle can be beneficial.

The first advantage of the Docs as Code approach is the use of a plain-text format, most commonly markdown. Storing documentation in plain text ensures that no special equipment, software, or licenses are needed to work on a document. This accessibility makes it easier for technical content creators to collaborate and contribute to the documentation.

Another benefit of the Docs as Code approach is the automation of syntax review. A linter and a grammar checker, such as a markdown linting expansion plugged into your Visual Studio Code editor, can automate the syntax review process. This ensures that the documentation follows a consistent style and format, enhancing its readability and clarity.

Decoupling the frontend and backend of the documentation is another advantage of the Docs as Code approach. By separating the design and styling of content elements from the technical content creation process, content creators can focus solely on generating clear and concise documentation. This approach eliminates the need for technical content creators to have design skills and allows them to focus on delivering high-quality technical content.

Additionally, the Docs as Code approach emphasizes the organization and structure of the documentation. It encourages content creators to think about sections needed for different types of content, such as a prerequisites section or an introduction section. It also prompts content creators to consider the ease of finding content within a documentation site and optimizing the search function for improved content findability. By organizing and linking content in a logical way, the user experience of the documentation is greatly enhanced.

Furthermore, the Docs as Code approach embraces version control practices. Storing documentation in a version control system, such as Git, allows for branching, merging, and tracking changes to the documentation. This consistency in version control practices ensures that the documentation evolves alongside the software, keeping it up to date and relevant.

The use of automated testing and deployment tools is another aspect of the Docs as Code approach. By using a static site generator or a similar tool, technical writers can easily publish the documentation from the source files. This streamlined process simplifies the publishing workflow and ensures that the documentation is always up to date.

Incorporating peer review into the documentation process is also a key feature of the Docs as Code approach. Just as code undergoes peer review, so should documentation. By having another technical author perform an editorial review and a review from a subject-matter expert, the quality and accuracy of the documentation are improved.

To summarize, the Docs as Code approach offers several advantages for managing and publishing documentation. It promotes accessibility, automation, decoupling, organization, version control, and peer review. By incorporating Docs as Code into your development cycle, you can ensure that your documentation is of high quality, up to date, and easily accessible to users.

Actionable Advice:

1. Start by converting your existing documentation to a plain-text format, such as markdown. This will make it easier to collaborate and automate the syntax review process.
2. Evaluate the organization and structure of your documentation. Consider implementing sections for different types of content and optimizing the search function for improved content findability.
3. Implement a version control system for your documentation. This will allow for branching, merging, and tracking changes, ensuring that your documentation evolves alongside your software.

In conclusion, adopting the Docs as Code approach can greatly enhance your documentation process. By treating documentation as code and utilizing the same tools and processes as software development, you can create high-quality, accessible, and up-to-date documentation for your users.