GrowWithFlow conference (recap 8): Go beyond a README.txt file

Last November over 80 technical communicators, information architects, and documentation aficionados broadened their horizon at GrowWithFlow, Flow’s highly irregular but equally appreciated technical communication conference. Here is one of the highlights: creating clear documentation for software developers.  

You think all manuals are the same? Think again! 

Good developer documentation is essential for collaboration and ultimately results in better and more consistent code. Developers rely on specific types of technical content, each with a structured and easily recognizable format, such as: 

• API documentation: describes how different software components interact with each other 

• Data model documentation: provides insights into the structure of a database, including relationships between different data entities 

• Architectural documentation: explains the high-level design of a system, outlining components and how they interact to achieve functionality 

• Reference pages for functions, events, objects, etc.: act as reference material for developers, detailing specific features, parameters, and behaviors 

• UX design system: defines style guides, UI components, and interaction principles, ensuring consistency across interfaces 

When this documentation is well-organized and accessible, developers can work efficiently 

and stay aligned throughout the project. It helps reduce onboarding time for new team members, minimize misunderstandings, and it ensures a collaborative environment. 

But how do you manage all different types of documentation effectively? 

With so many types of docs, maintaining organization and accessibility is crucial. At Flow, we specialize in writing, structuring, and reorganizing documentation on centralized platforms. Centralizing means everyone knows where to get their information. 

One example of a platform like that is  Confluence, a collaboration tool used by teams to create, share, and update documentation (and other information) efficiently. It acts as a central knowledge base, ensuring everyone stays aligned throughout a project. Whether you're onboarding new developers or maintaining complex systems, having an accessible hub for documentation prevents confusion and reduces inefficiencies. 

Docs-as-Code: A modern approach 

At Flow, we also have experience implementing a docs-as-code method that treats documentation like source code. This means that documentation is stored in repositories, version-controlled, and updated using the same workflows as software development. 

During our #GrowWithFlow event, we demonstrated how we write content using Markdown or DITA XML, two structured formats designed for easy conversion into HTML. These formats allow documentation to be published using static site generators like Eleventy or MkDocs, which transform plain text into polished, user-friendly documentation portals. 

This method ensures content is not only well-structured, but also visually appealing and easy to navigate for developers looking for quick answers. 

Want to know more? 

If you're looking for high-quality developer documentation, reach out! We're happy to discuss how we can streamline your technical content. 

📧 Email us at info@flowtime.be, and we'll gladly set up a meeting.  

🔗 Visit our website for more details on our services. 

💬 Or send us a message, and let's explore how we can help optimize your documentation workflow!