In this age of computers, no company in any part of the planet, whatever its business, can afford to do without them. Being complex in nature, it is a must for computers to provide a user guide to educate users on how to start and use them. Sometimes writing software documentation is done by the programmers but more often it is the responsibility of technical writers.
Technical writing is the generic term for this type of literature. Technical writers need to be familiar with software including the logic that is behind it. Though they may not fully appreciate the minor details of the technology, it is their job to make sure that what they write is accurate.
The primary responsibility of technical writers is to rewrite complex technical descriptions used by designers and programmers into plain and simple language that an ordinary person will easily understand. They need to make a novice understand how to start and use an application so that they are able to use interfaces and menus easily. There is a tendency for programmers to use technical terms which users will be confused by.
There are several programs that simple enough to not require explanation and little or no documentation. For instance in the gaming sector, users are taught by the game itself which uses tips to explain the more complicated functions in the higher levels. On the other hand working of power stations cannot be explained in the same manner.
A technical writer needs to put himself in the place of the end user to understand and explain a software and how to work with it. Writers have to keep formatting and standards of content in mind when explaining how to start and deal with problems. The concerned company will also prescribe a style for the writing tone of the manual to reflect its image.
Before initiating the writing process of the documentation, technical writers should first learn who the software is meant for. For users from a non-technical background, using technical terms has to be done away with. However if the users are IT professionals, simplifying terms will prove futile for their support purposes.
The whole text of the documentation should have a logical flow and be concise and laid out. The length will vary depending on the level of sophistication of the application or software. Some may be extremely lengthy while some may not exceed a number of pages.
No matter how long the manual and what the format may be, there are certain facts that users need to know. Firstly they have to be told how to get the application started, what its uses are and how to tackle problems that may arise. The use of menu diagrams is advisable as are screenshots to give a clearer understanding in print as well as online.
A good method of writing software documentation is to bring the end user together with the programmer and writer. The user can point out areas of confusion while the programmer can check for technical accuracy. A software manual must provide the entire information in a style that leaves no room for confusion.
Technical writing is the generic term for this type of literature. Technical writers need to be familiar with software including the logic that is behind it. Though they may not fully appreciate the minor details of the technology, it is their job to make sure that what they write is accurate.
The primary responsibility of technical writers is to rewrite complex technical descriptions used by designers and programmers into plain and simple language that an ordinary person will easily understand. They need to make a novice understand how to start and use an application so that they are able to use interfaces and menus easily. There is a tendency for programmers to use technical terms which users will be confused by.
There are several programs that simple enough to not require explanation and little or no documentation. For instance in the gaming sector, users are taught by the game itself which uses tips to explain the more complicated functions in the higher levels. On the other hand working of power stations cannot be explained in the same manner.
A technical writer needs to put himself in the place of the end user to understand and explain a software and how to work with it. Writers have to keep formatting and standards of content in mind when explaining how to start and deal with problems. The concerned company will also prescribe a style for the writing tone of the manual to reflect its image.
Before initiating the writing process of the documentation, technical writers should first learn who the software is meant for. For users from a non-technical background, using technical terms has to be done away with. However if the users are IT professionals, simplifying terms will prove futile for their support purposes.
The whole text of the documentation should have a logical flow and be concise and laid out. The length will vary depending on the level of sophistication of the application or software. Some may be extremely lengthy while some may not exceed a number of pages.
No matter how long the manual and what the format may be, there are certain facts that users need to know. Firstly they have to be told how to get the application started, what its uses are and how to tackle problems that may arise. The use of menu diagrams is advisable as are screenshots to give a clearer understanding in print as well as online.
A good method of writing software documentation is to bring the end user together with the programmer and writer. The user can point out areas of confusion while the programmer can check for technical accuracy. A software manual must provide the entire information in a style that leaves no room for confusion.
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