Technical Writing: Documentation on Software Projects from Pluralsight

This course covers the fundamentals of writing effective software documentation. Whether you need to document requirements, architecture/design, code, test plans, or manuals for end users, this course gives you tips and best practices to do it all.

The term "technical writing" can mean many different things, depending on your field and role. But at its core, itâ€™s about communicating information. In this course, Technical Writing: Documentation on Software Projects, you'll learn how to write documentation for a software project, including requirements, the architecture/design document, code documentation, test plans and test cases, and end-user documentation. First, you'll learn how important documentation is in the world of software and how the writing process works. Then, you'll learn some tips and best practices for writing clearly and efficiently. Finally, you'll learn about common documents on a software project. When you're finished with this course, you'll have a foundational understanding of technical writing and how to communicate effectively on a software project.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction to Technical Writing

The Writing Process

Writing Tips and Best Practices

Layout and Design

Deliverables: Requirements

Deliverables: Design/Architecture

Deliverables: Code Documentation

Deliverables: Test Plans and Test Cases

Deliverables: End-user Documentation

Conclusion and Additional Resources

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on writing documentation for all aspects of a software project, from requirements to user manuals

Covers best practices and tips for writing clearly and efficiently

Taught by experienced instructor Amber Israelsen

Suitable for various audiences, including software engineers, technical writers, and project managers

Provides a foundational understanding of technical writing, making it beneficial for beginners in the field

May require additional learning resources for advanced technical writers seeking deep expertise

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Technical Writing: Documentation on Software Projects with these activities:

Read (or re-read) The Elements of Technical Writing

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Provides a comprehensive overview of technical writing fundamentals and best practices, enhancing your understanding of the field.

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book thoroughly.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Refer to the book as needed while completing the course.
Consider re-reading the book after completing the course to reinforce your learning.

Watch video tutorials on technical writing

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Provides access to expert instruction and guidance on technical writing principles and techniques.

Browse courses on Technical Writing

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Search for video tutorials on technical writing.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts.
Apply the concepts you learn to your own writing.

Join a writing group or attend a writing workshop

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Offers opportunities to connect with other technical writers and receive feedback on your work.

Browse courses on Technical Writing

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Find a writing group or workshop that aligns with your interests.
Attend the meetings or workshops regularly.
Share your writing with others and provide feedback on their writing.

Three other activities

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Complete writing exercises and activities

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Strengthens your writing skills by providing opportunities to practice and refine them.

Browse courses on Technical Writing

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Find writing exercises and activities online or in textbooks.
Complete the exercises and activities regularly.
Get feedback on your writing from peers or instructors.

Document a personal software project

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Provides hands-on experience in applying technical writing principles and allows you to create a portfolio piece.

Browse courses on Software Documentation

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Choose a personal software project to document.
Plan and outline the documentation you need to create.
Write the documentation, including requirements, design, code, and user instructions.
Review and revise your documentation.
Share your documentation with others for feedback.

Write a technical report on a software development process

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Enhances your ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely.

Browse courses on Technical Writing

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Choose a software development process to document.
Research and gather information about the process.
Write the technical report, including an introduction, background, analysis, and recommendations.
Proofread and edit your report.
Present your report to an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Technical Writing: Documentation on Software Projects will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Architect

An Information Architect designs and builds the structure and organization of websites, intranets, online communities, and software applications. This course is closely related to the work of an Information Architect as it covers topics such as writing the architecture/design document, which is essential for designing information systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Software Architect

A Software Architect builds and maintains the blueprints for enterprise software. This course is closely related to the work of a Software Architect as it covers topics such as writing the architecture/design document, code documentation, and test plans, which are essential for designing software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst is charged with testing software to identify bugs and ensure that it meets quality standards. This course is closely related to the work of a Quality Assurance Analyst as it covers topics such as writing test plans and test cases, which are essential for testing software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst works with stakeholders to define and document business needs and requirements. This course is closely related to the work of a Business Analyst as it covers topics such as writing requirements, which is essential for understanding and documenting the needs of a business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Support Specialist

A Technical Support Specialist provides technical support to users of computer hardware and software. This course may be useful for Technical Support Specialists as it teaches how to write documentation for end users, which is essential for ensuring that users can successfully interact with software and hardware products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the planning, development, and marketing of a product. This course may be useful for Product Managers as it teaches how to write documentation for end users, which is essential for ensuring that users can successfully interact with your product.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

UX Designer

A UX Designer focuses on the user experience of a product or system. This course may be useful for UX Designers as it teaches how to write documentation for end users, which is essential for ensuring that users can successfully interact with your product.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Scrum Master

A Scrum Master is responsible for facilitating and coaching Scrum teams. This course may be useful for Scrum Masters as it teaches how to write documentation for requirements, which is essential for understanding and documenting the scope and objectives of a Scrum project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scrum Master

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data. This course may be useful for Data Analysts as it teaches how to write documentation for requirements, which is essential for understanding and documenting the needs of data analysis projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Developer

A Software Developer creates and maintains applications or systems. This course may be useful in understanding the process writing software documentation, which is a crucial part of developing and deploying software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst studies an organization's current business processes and designs solutions to help the organization run more efficiently. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts as it teaches how to write documentation for requirements, which is essential for understanding and documenting an organization's needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Product Owner

A Product Owner is responsible for managing the product backlog and ensuring that the product meets the needs of stakeholders. This course may be useful for Product Owners as it teaches how to write documentation for requirements, which is essential for understanding and documenting the scope and objectives of a product.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Owner

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. This course may be useful for Project Managers as it teaches how to write documentation for requirements, which is essential for understanding and documenting the scope and objectives of a project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer works independently or with a team of writers, engineers, and scientists to create technical documentation. This course helps build a foundation for this career by teaching you how to write documentation for a software project, including requirements, the architecture/design document, code documentation, test plans and test cases, and end-user documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer applies the principles of software engineering to the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of information systems. This course may be useful in understanding the process writing software documentation, which is a crucial part of developing and deploying software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer