How to Write a Reference Document

This guide outlines the process of creating a Reference document, ensuring it's informative, structured, and easy to navigate.

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with the Divio Documentation System.
• Understanding of the project or system you are documenting.

Goal

To develop a comprehensive and user-friendly reference document that adheres to the Divio Documentation System, facilitating quick access to detailed information about specific aspects of a subject.

Step 1: Define the Scope of Your Reference

Begin by delineating what your reference document will cover. A clear scope ensures your document remains focused and relevant.

1. Identify the Elements: List the functions, classes, modules, or commands you plan to document.
2. Organize Logically: Group related elements together to enhance readability and navigation.

Step 2: Establish a Consistent Structure

A uniform structure is key to a user-friendly reference document. Decide on a format and apply it consistently across all entries.

1. Choose a Structure: Each entry might include the name, description, syntax, parameters, return values, examples, and related elements.
2. Create Templates: Develop templates for different types of entries (e.g., functions vs. classes) to ensure consistency.

Step 3: Detail Each Element

With your structure in place, it's time to fill in the details for each element you're documenting.

1. Provide Clear Descriptions: Explain what each element does in plain language.
2. Specify Parameters and Return Values: Include types, possible values, and defaults.
3. Include Examples: Offer practical examples of how to use each element.
4. Link to Related Elements: Facilitate navigation by linking to related functions, classes, or modules within your document.

Step 4: Ensure Readability and Accessibility

Making your document readable and accessible will help users find the information they need quickly.

1. Use Syntax Highlighting: Highlight code snippets to improve readability.
2. Incorporate Navigation Aids: Include a table of contents and a search feature if possible.
3. Adopt a Clear Typography: Use headings, bullet points, and bold text to make the document easy to scan.

Step 5: Review and Update Regularly

Reference documents require regular updates to remain accurate and useful.

1. Review for Accuracy: Periodically verify that the information remains correct, especially after updates to the system.
2. Update as Needed: Reflect any changes to the system in the document to maintain its relevance and usefulness.

Conclusion

Creating a Divio reference document is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail, a structured approach, and regular updates. By following these steps, you'll produce a valuable resource that enhances the understanding and usability of your system, ensuring that users can easily find detailed information about its components.

Template

Copy and paste this template into a new document to begin writing a new Reference article.

# [Title of the Reference Guide]

## Overview

Briefly introduce the subject of the reference guide, focusing on its technical aspects. Mention the key classes, functions, APIs, or other elements that will be covered.

## [Section 1: Class/Function/API Name]

### Description

Provide a technical description of the class/function/API, including its purpose and role within the larger system. If applicable, include information on how to instantiate or invoke.

### Syntax

```[language]
// Syntax or signature example
```

### Parameters

List and describe each parameter, including data types, default values, and whether they are optional or required.

### Return Values

Describe the values returned by the function/API, including their data types.

### Examples

Provide minimal code examples to illustrate how to use the class/function/API. These should be directly applicable and focused on usage rather than explaining concepts.

### Precautions

Note any important precautions, such as thread safety concerns or compatibility issues.

## [Section 2: Another Class/Function/API]

(Repeat the structure as necessary for each class, function, API, or other elements being documented.)

## Potential Issues and Considerations

If there are common pitfalls or important considerations that apply to the documented items as a whole, describe them here.

## Additional Resources

Link to how-to guides, tutorials, and explanations for concepts that are mentioned but not detailed within this reference guide.

## Revision History

Document the history of changes to the reference guide, including updates to functions or new additions.