Importance Of Software Documentation

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A crucial component of the software development process, software documentation serves to describe the various operations or uses for computer software or source code. Commonly referred to as user guides or technical manuals, software documentation revolves around the explanation of software-related features and information, based on material published by Marie Kennan, contributor to the Salem Press Encyclopedia (Keenan, 2016). Evolving from printed manuals to vast electronic databases, software documentation encompasses nearly every component necessary to successfully use a given program or source code, and is available in an array of different formats and languages. From large-scale, company-based software development, to small-scale, personal-based …show more content…

Likewise, in conformity with reports published by Golara Garousi, Computer Scientist and Researcher, software documentation is not only important for the intended audience, but also for other developers, or even select business officials, if applicable (Garousi, 2015). In fact, software documentation is extremely important in conducting further development, maintenance, or even transfers of ownership regarding the program or source code. As an example, a software development team that produces software with inadequate software documentation, or no software documentation at all, could significantly hinder further development of the given program or source code, while generating serious confusion or doubts for the intended audience of the program or source code. Furthermore, inadequate software documentation could seriously obstruct the ability of other developers, or end-users to learn and comprehend the features and functionalities of a given program or source code. In one study, outlining the importance of quality software documentation, Tija Saukuma, Computer Software Analyst, stresses the importance of software documentation for end-users, such as businesses, where quality software documentation could aid in installation, troubleshooting, obtaining general knowledge, along with other applications necessary for the associated software (Saukuma, 2008). Essentially, quality software documentation is truly important for the successful use or operation of a given program or source code, by both developers and

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