Software Documentation Content Types

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of use cases in software documentation?

  • To provide detailed code comments
  • To identify user goals and tasks (correct)
  • To summarize design decisions
  • To outline coding standards

What are the tenets for writing effective code comments?

  • Include extensive references to external documents
  • Use them sparingly and only when necessary
  • Keep them brief and relevant (correct)
  • Lengthy and detailed explanations

Why is a README file suggested to supplement code comments?

  • It provides a summary of the project's goals and problems solved. (correct)
  • It replaces the need for code comments entirely.
  • It focuses solely on coding standards.
  • It serves no specific purpose and is optional.

Which of the following statements best describes code comments?

<p>They document design decisions and simplify understanding of the code. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should content types be structured in documentation?

<p>They should be shaped according to user needs and preferences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about code comments?

<p>They are sufficient as the only documentation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of documentation according to user scenarios?

<p>To address user needs and help them achieve their goals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary purpose of content types in software documentation?

<p>To reduce confusion among development teams. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a guided tour?

<p>To present an overview of program features and capabilities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tutorial is best suited for users with advanced knowledge looking to engage with a program quickly?

<p>Quick start (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a demonstration tutorial?

<p>It is designed for minimal user interaction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a guided tour?

<p>Designed for direct user interaction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which format can a guided tour be presented?

<p>As a booklet or online presentation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration for each lesson in a tutorial to help with concentration?

<p>10-12 minutes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of the quick start tutorial?

<p>It encourages advanced interaction with the program. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding demonstration tutorials?

<p>They are limited to visual representation of features. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one critical aspect to test when evaluating a tutorial's effectiveness?

<p>The effectiveness of the graphics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the quick start differ from other forms of tutorials?

<p>It is designed for users who are already familiar with the program. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic should good procedural documentation possess?

<p>It should provide a structured set of steps. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might users need tutorials instead of traditional instruction methods?

<p>They have no access to a teacher or advisor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be provided to learners in case they get interrupted during a training session?

<p>An option to save their progress. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor to consider when designing tutorials?

<p>The user's need and when they require assistance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of a user’s performance should a tutorial take into account?

<p>The skill level they are starting from (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of procedural documentation?

<p>To guide users in accomplishing a specific goal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided in conceptual documentation?

<p>Implementation details (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of a tutorial?

<p>To teach users how to achieve a specific goal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for getting started documentation?

<p>Providing complex installation steps (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of related concept subsections in conceptual documentation?

<p>To set a context for a procedure or tutorial (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a tutorial includes more than ten steps, what does it indicate?

<p>It may be too complex for users (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element to include in a tutorial to enhance the learning experience?

<p>Test data or tools for learning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What content is considered essential in the overview of conceptual documentation?

<p>Technical overview of how the concept works (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of reference documentation?

<p>To inform users about actions and their effects (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes a misconception about tutorials?

<p>They need to include real implementation code (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an element of a reference structure?

<p>User feedback (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of information might you typically find in an appendix of a software manual?

<p>Error messages and troubleshooting tips (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'See also' element in a reference structure benefit users?

<p>It shows interrelationship among different reference entries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be considered a useful but non-essential part of a software manual?

<p>Error messages documentation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reference form is considered to contain the most valuable information in a software manual?

<p>Appendices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a special form of reference?

<p>Appendix (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a reference documentation helps a user to efficiently use a command?

<p>Tips (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Content Types in Software Documentation

  • Different content types address different user needs and problems.
  • Use cases (or user scenarios) identify user goals and inform documentation planning. Effective documentation directly supports users in achieving their goals.
  • Content types include code comments, READMEs, conceptual documentation, tutorials, and procedural documentation. They serve various user archetypes and learning preferences.

Code Comments

  • Briefly and relevantly describe code's function and design decisions. Use liberally, but avoid excess.
  • Insufficient for overall system understanding; READMEs provide context on the code's purpose and value.
  • READMEs should answer: What is the service? Core features? Installation/usage steps? Common user questions? Notable functionalities?

Conceptual Documentation

  • Explains underlying concepts and ideas behind a service, without implementation details.
  • Uses sources like meeting notes, design documents, and internal documentation.
  • Should be concise and provide context for procedures or tutorials. Includes related concepts and additional resources (tutorials, how-to guides).

Tutorials

  • Teach users to achieve specific goals; may include test environments and data.
  • Tutorials exceeding ten steps suggest overly complex use cases or combined actions.
  • Types include:
    • Guided Tours: Overview of program features, persuasive, low-interaction, online or print.
    • Demonstrations: Illustrate specific program parts; often uses example or limited program versions; passive user viewing.
    • Quick Starts: For experienced users; minimal examples; focuses on getting users to interact independently.

Tutorial Guidelines

  • Choose the appropriate type based on user experience and goal.
  • Provide practice and feedback at each skill level; maintain sessions around 10-12 minutes.
  • Allow users to quit sessions without data loss.
  • Test tutorials in a lab setting; consider user background and focus on design elements (cuing, graphics, writing style).

Procedural Documentation

  • Guides users through steps to accomplish specific goals. Each step should describe a single user action.
  • Includes tutorials and how-to guides (installation, API integration). Prioritizes speed and efficiency.
  • Formats include command descriptions, menu overviews, definitions, function descriptions, and error messages.

Reference Documentation

  • Focuses on cause-and-effect relationships between actions and results. Crucial for troubleshooting.
  • Structure elements include function entry, declaration, remarks, edge bleed, "see also" links, examples, and tips.

Reference Documentation Guidelines

  • Choose appropriate forms (quick reference, user guides, appendices).
  • Appendices contain detailed, frequently technical information important for some users (error messages, filenames, troubleshooting, compatibility, etc.). This information may be too detailed for all users.

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