Recipe: Technical Writing Standards
High-quality documentation is defined by its architectural clarity and scannability. This guide outlines the professional standards for utilizing docmd features to optimize the user and machine experience.
Scannability & Semantic Density
Technical users rarely read documentation linearly; they scan for specific solutions.
- Descriptive Semantic Headings: Avoid generic titles. Use “Initializing the Production Pipeline” instead of “Startup.”
- Concise Paragraphs: Encapsulate single concepts into 2-3 sentence blocks to prevent cognitive overload.
- Lexical Emphasis: Utilize Bold Text for key technical terms, file paths, and terminal commands to ensure they remain distinct during rapid scanning.
Strategy for Interactive Containers
docmd provides specialized UI blocks. Use them intentionally to reinforce your document’s mental model.
Callouts vs. Cards
- Callouts (Alerts): Use for “Out-of-band” information.
tipfor performance shortcuts,warningfor cautionary logic, anddangerfor critical breaking changes. - Cards (Structural Blocks): Use for “In-band” content clustering. Cards are ideal for feature summaries on a landing page or grouping related configuration keys.
Sequential Workflows
When documenting a multi-step procedure, always utilize the ::: steps container. This provides a high-impact visual timeline that is significantly more legible than a standard numbered list for both humans and AI agents.
High-Fidelity Linking
docmd’s SPA router enables instant, zero-reload navigation. Maintain this experience through reliable referencing:
- Filesystem-Aware Paths: Always utilize relative paths to your source
.mdfiles (e.g.,../core/engine.md). This ensures link integrity across IDEs, local dev servers, and production builds. - Descriptive Anchors: Avoid “Read more.” Utilize high-fidelity descriptors like “Analyze the Browser API Reference.”
Code Block Professionalism
- Explicit Language Labeling: Always specify the language identifier (e.g.,
```typescript). This enables both accurate syntax highlighting and reliable AI parsing. - Automated Portability:
docmdautomatically attaches interactive copy buttons to every code block; prioritize concise, ready-to-execute snippets to maximize developer utility.