Dynamic

Ad Hoc Documentation vs Wiki Based Documentation

Developers should use ad hoc documentation when rapid prototyping, debugging, or collaborating in agile settings where formal documentation would slow down progress meets developers should use wiki based documentation when working in collaborative environments, such as agile teams or open-source projects, to centralize knowledge, reduce duplication, and streamline onboarding processes. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Ad Hoc Documentation

Developers should use ad hoc documentation when rapid prototyping, debugging, or collaborating in agile settings where formal documentation would slow down progress

Ad Hoc Documentation

Nice Pick

Developers should use ad hoc documentation when rapid prototyping, debugging, or collaborating in agile settings where formal documentation would slow down progress

Pros

  • +It is particularly useful for capturing transient knowledge, such as workarounds, experimental findings, or team discussions, to prevent information loss
  • +Related to: documentation-writing, agile-methodologies

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Wiki Based Documentation

Developers should use wiki based documentation when working in collaborative environments, such as agile teams or open-source projects, to centralize knowledge, reduce duplication, and streamline onboarding processes

Pros

  • +It is particularly valuable for documenting codebases, APIs, development processes, and troubleshooting guides, as it supports iterative improvements and fosters a culture of shared responsibility for documentation quality
  • +Related to: markdown, version-control

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Ad Hoc Documentation if: You want it is particularly useful for capturing transient knowledge, such as workarounds, experimental findings, or team discussions, to prevent information loss and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Wiki Based Documentation if: You prioritize it is particularly valuable for documenting codebases, apis, development processes, and troubleshooting guides, as it supports iterative improvements and fosters a culture of shared responsibility for documentation quality over what Ad Hoc Documentation offers.

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The Bottom Line
Ad Hoc Documentation wins

Developers should use ad hoc documentation when rapid prototyping, debugging, or collaborating in agile settings where formal documentation would slow down progress

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev