What Is Documentation as Code?
Documentation as Code (also called DaC or Doc-as-Code) is a writing methodology that adopts the same principles used in software development for documentation. It involves treating documentation exactly as you would treat your source code. Just like with code, documentation is written in a text editor, stored in a version control system, and can be reviewed and updated by peers.
The concept of Documentation as Code brings the developers and the writers onto the same platform. It blurs the line between the development and the documentation process, making it a continuous and integrated part of the software development life cycle. This approach ensures that the documentation is always in sync with the latest version of the code, reducing discrepancies and enhancing the overall quality of the software product.
There are many benefits of Documentation as Code: it promotes consistency and accuracy in the documentation, and also fosters collaboration, automation, and efficiency. Now that we understand what Documentation as Code is, let’s delve into its principles.
Principles of Documentation as Code
Writing Documentation Using Markdown or Similar Languages
One of the primary principles of Documentation as Code is writing documentation using lightweight markup languages like Markdown, reStructuredText, or AsciiDoc. These languages are text-based, easy to learn, and can be easily converted to other formats like HTML, PDF, or e-books.
When writing documentation as code, the focus is on the content rather than the formatting. With markdown languages, you can write the documentation in plain text, which can then be formatted using simple syntax. This simplicity of markdown languages makes it easy for anyone in the team, be it a developer, a tester, or a business analyst, to contribute to the documentation.
Storing Documentation in Version Control Systems
Just like code, documentation written as code is stored in a version control system (VCS). This allows for tracking changes, maintaining different versions of the documentation, and easy collaboration among team members.
Using a VCS for storing documentation ensures that it evolves along with the software. Every change in the software can be tracked with a corresponding update in the documentation. This ensures that the documentation is always up-to-date, reducing confusion and enhancing the user experience.
Automation of Documentation Building and Deployment
Another key principle of Documentation as Code is the automation of documentation building and deployment. This is achieved through the use of tools that can convert the markdown language into a readable format and deploy it automatically whenever changes are made.
This automation not only saves time and effort but also ensures that the documentation is always consistent with the latest version of the software. Automation tools can also check for errors and inconsistencies in the documentation, ensuring its accuracy and reliability.
Collaboration and Peer Review
Documentation as Code encourages collaboration and peer review. Since the documentation is stored in a VCS, it can be accessed by all team members. They can contribute to the documentation, suggest changes, and review the changes suggested by others.
This collaborative approach ensures that the documentation is comprehensive and free from errors. It also ensures that the documentation is written from different perspectives, making it more useful for the end-users.
Benefits of Doc-as-Code in DevOps
Improved Collaboration Between Developers and Writers
One of the key benefits of Documentation as Code in DevOps is that it fosters improved collaboration between developers and writers. Both developers and writers work on the same platform and use the same tools, making the process more seamless and efficient.
This collaborative approach ensures that the documentation is always in sync with the software. It also makes it easy for developers and writers to understand each other’s work, leading to better communication and a more effective documentation process.
Versioning and History Tracking
Another significant benefit of Documentation as Code in DevOps is that it supports versioning and history tracking. With documentation stored in a VCS, it’s easy to track changes, maintain different versions of the documentation, and revert to a previous version if needed.
This ensures that the documentation is always up-to-date and reliable. It also provides a historical record of the documentation, making it easier to understand the evolution of the software and the rationale behind certain decisions.
Consistency in Documentation and Code
In traditional software development environments, documentation is often treated as an afterthought, created and maintained separately from the codebase. This disjointed approach can lead to inconsistencies, outdated information, and confusion. With Doc-as-Code, documentation is written in the same format as the code, stored in the same repository, and updated alongside the code. This ensures a high level of consistency between the code and documentation, making it easier for everyone on the team to understand the system and its functionality.
Streamlined Development Processes
With Doc-as-Code, the documentation is part of the development process, not a separate task to be tackled later. This integration streamlines the overall process, saving time and effort. Developers can write and update documentation as they code, eliminating the need for a separate documentation phase. Furthermore, because documentation and code are stored together, it’s easier to manage changes and keep everything in sync.
Enhanced Quality Control
Doc-as-Code also enhances quality control. The same testing and review processes that apply to code can be used for documentation. This means documentation is not only up-to-date but also accurate and reliable. Automated tests can catch errors and inconsistencies, and peer reviews can ensure the documentation is clear, concise, and helpful. This rigorous approach to quality control elevates the value of documentation, making it a powerful asset rather than a necessary burden.
Best Practices For Doc-as-Code in DevOps
Adopting Doc-as-Code can be a game-changer, but it requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some best practices to help you make the most of this powerful strategy.
Automate Documentation Generation and Deployment
Automation is another cornerstone of DevOps, and it plays a crucial role in Doc-as-Code. By automating the generation and deployment of documentation, you can ensure it’s always up-to-date and accessible. There are numerous tools available that can generate documentation from code comments, markdown files, or other sources. Similarly, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines can be used to automatically deploy updates to the documentation whenever changes are made.
Keep Documentation and Code in Sync
Keeping documentation and code in sync is one of the key benefits of Doc-as-Code, but it requires diligence. Developers should be encouraged to update the documentation as they write and modify code. This practice not only ensures the documentation is accurate but also reinforces the importance of documentation, making it a central part of the development process rather than an afterthought.
Encourage a Culture that Values Documentation
Finally, for Doc-as-Code to be effective, it’s crucial to foster a culture that values documentation. This means recognizing the importance of clear, accurate documentation and investing time and resources in maintaining it. It also means encouraging everyone on the team to contribute to the documentation, not just the developers. By embracing a culture that values documentation, you can maximize the benefits of Doc-as-Code and create a more efficient, collaborative, and successful DevOps environment.
In conclusion, Documentation as Code is a powerful strategy that can enhance consistency, streamline processes, improve quality control, and foster a culture that values documentation. By understanding and embracing Doc-as-Code, you can transform your DevOps practices and elevate your software development efforts to new heights.
Author Bio: Gilad David Maayan
Gilad David Maayan is a technology writer who has worked with over 150 technology companies including SAP, Imperva, Samsung NEXT, NetApp and Check Point, producing technical and thought leadership content that elucidates technical solutions for developers and IT leadership. Today he heads Agile SEO, the leading marketing agency in the technology industry.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giladdavidmaayan/
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