Why Poor Documentation is Sabotaging Your Career？

" I wrote this code three months ago, and now I can't understand it at all..."

"Where is the project handover document? Oh, I think I didn't write it..."

"I followed the documentation, but it didn't work. The key steps weren't clearly explained!"

"The documentation is too long; just looking at the table of contents gives me a headache..."

Do these scenarios sound familiar? After years in the tech industry, I've come to realize a harsh truth: poor documentation is quietly undermining our careers. New members take weeks to get up to speed, project handovers feel like solving a puzzle, and maintaining old projects is like archaeology...

In fact, writing good documentation isn't that hard! Today, I'll walk you through how to create a technical document that really stands out. No fluff, just solid, practical experience.

Why No One Reads Your Documentation?

Let's look at some common "documentation pitfalls":

• Overloading with jargon, turning newcomers away

• Incomplete steps, leading to inevitable failure

• Losing key information in the noise

• Failing to update, becoming increasingly unreliable

• Lack of examples, filled with abstract concepts

Behind these issues are several common misconceptions about documentation writing:

Common Misconception	Actual Situation	Correct Approach
"Write the code first, then the documentation"	By then, you've forgotten the details	Write as you develop
"Everyone is a programmer, they'll understand"	Newbies are confused	Put yourself in the reader's shoes
"The more detailed, the better"	No one wants to read long-winded text	Highlight key points, be concise
"It's done once you've written it"	Outdated documentation is misleading	Continuously update and maintain

Focus on the Essentials: Structuring Your Documentation

Good documentation is like a well-structured book:

Project Documentation Framework
├── Project Introduction (What it is, what problem it solves)
├── Quick Start (Get up and running in 5 minutes)
├── Core Concepts (Key points that must be understood)
├── Detailed Guides (Scenario-based explanations)
├── FAQ (Common pitfalls and solutions)
└── Change Log (Version updates and changes)

A Special Note on "Quick Start"

This is the most neglected but crucial part. Your goal is: Get the reader to see results in 5 minutes.

Good Quick Start:

1. Install dependencies
   npm install my-project

2. Modify configuration
   // config.js
   export default {
     port: 3000
   }

3. Start the service
   npm start

Done! Now open http://localhost:3000 to see the result.

Bad Quick Start:

The project is developed using Node.js, with the Express framework,
using MongoDB as the database, and also utilizing Redis...
[A bunch of architecture explanations, but no instructions on how to run it]

Practical Tips for Readability

1. Organize Content with Heading Levels

❌ Wrong Example:

A pile of text without paragraphs or sections.

✅ Correct Example:

## Configure the Database
### 1. Install MongoDB
### 2. Create the Database
### 3. Set Access Permissions

## Start the Application
### 1. Environment Check
### 2. Start Command

2. Use Diagrams to Explain Complex Concepts

For example, illustrating data flow:

[User Request] --> [Load Balancer] --> [Web Server]
                                  |
                                  v
                              [Cache Layer]
                                  |
                                  v
                              [Database]

3. Highlight Important Information

❌ Mixed in the main text:

After modifying the configuration file, remember to restart the server, otherwise the configuration will not take effect.

✅ Eye-catching Alert:

⚠️ Note: After modifying the configuration, you must restart the server!

💡 Tip: You can use npm run restart to restart quickly.

Practical Writing Checklist

Check this list every time you write documentation:

Basic Elements:

• ✅ Clear title and introduction

• ✅ Explanation of applicable scenarios and prerequisites

• ✅ Complete step-by-step instructions

• ✅ Commands or code that can be directly copied

• ✅ Actual usage examples

Enhance Experience:

• ✅ Are important warnings and tips prominent?

• ✅ Are professional terms explained clearly?

• ✅ Are there necessary diagrams?

• ✅ Are paragraphs appropriately separated?

• ✅ Is there a troubleshooting guide provided?

Keep Your Documentation Alive

Documentation is not a one-time task; it needs to continue to be effective:

1. Establish an Update Mechanism

   1. Update the documentation simultaneously with version updates
   2. Regularly check for outdated documentation
   3. Set an "expiry date" for the documentation

2. Collect Feedback

   1. Include a feedback section at the end of the document.
   2. Encourage readers to provide feedback or suggest improvements.
   3. Track the usage and effectiveness of the documentation.

3. Continuous Optimization

   1.
   

       Collect feedback -> Analyze issues -> Update content -> Collect feedback again
       ```
   
   

Practical Tips for the Field

Timing of Writing

• Start writing when developing new features

• Record solutions immediately after resolving issues

• Correct documentation immediately when inaccuracies are found

Language Expression

• Use active voice: "Click the button" instead of "The button is clicked"

• Be direct: "Enter the username" instead of "Please enter the username"

• Be specific: "Wait for 3 seconds" instead of "Wait for a while"

Use Tools Wisely

When it comes to writing API documentation for your project, leveraging the right tools can significantly enhance your efficiency and the quality of your output. One such tool is Apidog, a powerful API design, documentation, and testing platform. Apidog offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater to every stage of API development, from design to deployment.

Why Choose Apidog?

Apidog is designed to streamline the API documentation process with its intuitive interface and robust features:

1. API Design and Documentation: Apidog allows you to design and document your APIs in a single, user-friendly environment. It supports Swagger and OpenAPI formats, making it easy to generate and maintain comprehensive documentation.

2. Collaborative Editing: With real-time collaboration features, teams can work together seamlessly on API design and documentation, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

3. API Testing and Mocking: Apidog provides built-in tools for testing and mocking APIs, enabling you to verify your API's functionality and behavior before it goes live.

4. Integration with Version Control: Apidog integrates smoothly with version control systems, allowing you to keep your API documentation in sync with your codebase.

5. Markdown Support: Apidog supports Markdown, enabling you to add rich text descriptions and notes directly within your documentation.

---

Good documentation isn't written once; it's continuously refined. The first version isn't the best, but start writing it, and improve it through practice. Gradually, it will become better and better.

Just like writing code, there is no perfect documentation, only documentation that continuously evolves.