Over Documentation
Over Documentation is a software development practice where excessive, redundant, or unnecessary documentation is created, often at the expense of code quality or productivity. It involves producing more documentation than is useful for understanding, maintaining, or using a system, leading to information overload and maintenance burdens. This is generally considered an anti-pattern that can slow down development and obscure critical information.
Developers should be aware of Over Documentation to avoid its pitfalls, such as wasted time, outdated information, and reduced agility in projects. It is relevant in contexts where documentation requirements are poorly defined or teams prioritize documentation over iterative development, such as in overly bureaucratic environments or legacy systems with rigid processes. Understanding this helps balance documentation needs with practical development goals.