Irrespective of the nature of business, computers have become indispensable for practically any company the world over. Like all sophisticated devices, computers need to come with a manual to help the user understand the functions and how it works. In some cases it may be the programmer who performs the role of writing software documentation but it is mostly a technical writer who does it.
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.
Technical writers are able to translate technical jargon of programmers and designers into simple language that can easily be understood by the average person. They help novices and beginners to understand how an application works so that they are able to navigate menus and interfaces. Programmers usually tend to be more technical in their language which the end user will find hard to follow.
Many regular programs dont need to be explained and are straight forward enough to require minimal documentation. When it comes to the gaming world the game itself instructs the user and as the levels progress the complex functions are explained with tips and tricks. However this would not work when it comes to explaining how a power station runs.
Ideally a technical writer needs to understand a software from the viewpoint of a user who needs to make the most of it and explains the instructions in easy language. There are certain formatting and content standards to be followed, which goes from startup to trouble shooting. The writer will then follow the style and tone desired by the company to ensure that the manual adheres to their image.
It is important for the writer to be aware of who the user will be before writing the documentation. If it is a non-technical user, care has to be taken to avoid technical terms. On the other hand being too simple will prove useless to IT professionals who may require it for support needs.
The entire documentation should be concise, laid out and have a logical flow. The length and size depends mostly on how complex the application is. Certain types can be very long whereas some could be just a few 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.
Writing software documentation can also be done by collaborating the programmer, user and writer. This enables the user to express his understanding or lack thereof and the programmer ensures the technical authenticity. The writing on a software manual should convey all the information necessary in an easy to understand language.
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.
Technical writers are able to translate technical jargon of programmers and designers into simple language that can easily be understood by the average person. They help novices and beginners to understand how an application works so that they are able to navigate menus and interfaces. Programmers usually tend to be more technical in their language which the end user will find hard to follow.
Many regular programs dont need to be explained and are straight forward enough to require minimal documentation. When it comes to the gaming world the game itself instructs the user and as the levels progress the complex functions are explained with tips and tricks. However this would not work when it comes to explaining how a power station runs.
Ideally a technical writer needs to understand a software from the viewpoint of a user who needs to make the most of it and explains the instructions in easy language. There are certain formatting and content standards to be followed, which goes from startup to trouble shooting. The writer will then follow the style and tone desired by the company to ensure that the manual adheres to their image.
It is important for the writer to be aware of who the user will be before writing the documentation. If it is a non-technical user, care has to be taken to avoid technical terms. On the other hand being too simple will prove useless to IT professionals who may require it for support needs.
The entire documentation should be concise, laid out and have a logical flow. The length and size depends mostly on how complex the application is. Certain types can be very long whereas some could be just a few 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.
Writing software documentation can also be done by collaborating the programmer, user and writer. This enables the user to express his understanding or lack thereof and the programmer ensures the technical authenticity. The writing on a software manual should convey all the information necessary in an easy to understand language.
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