How to audit and overhaul your software documentation
Blog post from Mintlify
Emma Adler's guide offers a detailed approach to auditing and revamping software documentation, emphasizing the importance of keeping documentation up-to-date to avoid business inefficiencies. It outlines a strategic process for conducting audits, prioritizing fixes based on their business impact, and utilizing AI tools to streamline maintenance efforts. The guide highlights common signs of documentation debt, such as repeated developer questions and negative feedback, and stresses the need for a well-structured audit that assesses the current state of documentation. Steps include inventorying current assets, evaluating documentation from a new developer's perspective, and prioritizing issues based on urgency. The guide also suggests establishing documentation guidelines, selecting appropriate tools, and involving internal teams in the process. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of continuous maintenance, implementing feedback loops, and leveraging AI to prevent the recurrence of outdated content. The ultimate goal is to transform documentation into a valuable asset that supports developers and enhances product adoption.