Documentation
Documentation is the process of creating, maintaining, and using written materials that describe software systems, APIs, codebases, or processes to facilitate understanding, usage, and collaboration. It includes technical specifications, user guides, API references, and internal notes, serving as a critical communication tool for developers, users, and stakeholders. Effective documentation improves code maintainability, reduces onboarding time, and enhances project transparency.
Developers should learn and use documentation to ensure software quality, support team collaboration, and enable long-term project sustainability, as it helps in debugging, onboarding new team members, and complying with industry standards. It is essential in open-source projects, enterprise software development, and API-driven ecosystems where clear instructions and references are crucial for adoption and integration.