“Don’t repeat yourself” (DRY), “Keep it short and simple” (KISS), refactoring, abstraction, and code maintainability. Sounds familiar? Congratulations you’re probably a software developer. But how can we learn from these principles and use them in other areas? In this article, we’ll explore how you can leverage these concepts to improve your documentation management practices.
Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY)
DRY is all about avoiding redundancy. In code, it means not duplicating logic or data. When it comes to documentation, the same principle applies. Avoid repeating information across different documents or sections. Instead, create reusable content and link to it. For example:
- Use a central knowledge base or wiki for common explanations.
- Cross-reference related sections to avoid duplicating content.
Keep It Short and Simple (KISS)
KISS encourages simplicity and clarity. Apply this to your documentation:
- Use plain language: Avoid jargon or complex terms.
- Break down complex topics into smaller, digestible sections.
- Prioritize essential information over unnecessary details.
Refactoring Your Documentation
Just as you refactor code to improve its structure, refactor your documentation periodically:
- Remove outdated or irrelevant content.
- Consolidate similar sections.
- Ensure consistency in formatting and style.
Abstraction for Clarity
In programming, abstraction hides complexity. Apply this to your documentation:
- Use high-level summaries before diving into details.
- Abstract away implementation specifics when explaining concepts.
- Provide clear examples to illustrate abstract ideas.
Code Maintainability for Documentation
Code maintainability principles also benefit documentation:
- Version control your documentation (just like code).
- Regularly review and update content.
- Encourage collaboration—multiple eyes catch errors and improve quality.
Remember, effective documentation benefits everyone—developers, users, and stakeholders. By applying these programming principles, you’ll create clear, concise, and valuable documentation that stands the test of time. Happy documenting!