Documentation Driven Development
Documentation Driven Development (DDD) is a software development methodology where comprehensive documentation is created before writing any code. It emphasizes designing and specifying the system's requirements, architecture, and interfaces upfront through detailed documents, which then guide the implementation process. This approach aims to improve clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and ensure alignment among stakeholders by treating documentation as a primary artifact.
Developers should use Documentation Driven Development in projects with complex requirements, large teams, or strict compliance needs, such as in enterprise software, government systems, or safety-critical applications. It helps prevent scope creep, facilitates better planning, and ensures that all team members have a shared understanding of the project goals before coding begins, leading to more maintainable and well-documented software.