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Software documentation is an important part of every company involved in software product development. Software documentation is a document or a written text which either aims at explaining how a software works or how a user can operate a software. There are different types of documentation associated with the development of software depending upon the various stages involved in a software development life cycle (SDLC). Right from the very beginning of a software development cycle until the final delivery of the product, each phase requires software documentation. Therefore, this has made documentation process to be an integral part of every software product development company.

It is very important for every software documentation expert to deliver a high quality document. For writing a high quality software document, the experts need to follow some standards and guidelines. As such, there are no specific guidelines or standards for designing a software documentation template. These standards vary in each and every organization. But, by following some of the general guidelines, one can really come out with a well versed and high quality document. Let us see what all is required for technical documentation.

Technical documentation describes writing the technical aspects or working of the software. The very first thing which needs to be taken into account by a software documentation expert is to know what is required to be documented in technical documentation. Technical writer must identify the goal of writing the document.

In general, for most of the software products, technical documentation template can include the below mentioned details. These details are:

a) Technical document can have a list of important files associated with the functioning of the software.
b) Details of functions or sub routines used in an application.
c) Details of the global variables and constants used for the development of software.
d) Specification of 3rd party objects.
e) Details pertaining to Application Programming Interface (API) reference.

These are few in-general things required for getting forward with the documenting process in every software development company.

Also, we would like to highlight few things which need to be taken into account by a technical writer to get an effective and high quality document.

1. The technical writer must be clear with his goal of writing the document.
2. Proper and correct usage of grammar is necessary.
3. While documenting, just keep in mind to keep screen shots small. Rather than capturing whole screen for highlighting just a part of screen, try to take small snap shots focusing on the area which needs to be highlighted or discussed.
4. Be clear in your explanations. Make use of examples wherever possible to make the reader easily understandable.
5. Do not create a document using narrow margins. Always use sufficient margins while designing a document.
6. Remember to reveal sources and references which are basically the authorities as well experts in the field.
7. Proof read the document once before making final submissions for review.
8. Lastly, always forward your document for a review.