Project Documentation
Project documentation is the process of creating and maintaining written materials that describe a software project's purpose, design, implementation, and usage. It includes various artifacts such as requirements specifications, design documents, API references, user manuals, and deployment guides. Effective documentation ensures clarity, facilitates collaboration, supports maintenance, and enhances user experience throughout the project lifecycle.
Developers should learn and use project documentation to improve team communication, reduce knowledge silos, and streamline onboarding for new contributors. It is essential in professional settings for compliance, auditing, and long-term project sustainability, particularly in complex or distributed teams. Specific use cases include open-source projects, enterprise software development, and regulatory environments where traceability is required.