External Documentation vs. Internal Documentation

Attribute	External Documentation	Internal Documentation
Location	Located outside the codebase	Located within the codebase
Accessibility	Accessible to users outside the development team	Accessible only to developers working on the project
Scope	May cover broader topics or user-facing information	Focuses on technical details and implementation specifics
Updates	May not always be updated in sync with code changes	Usually updated alongside code changes
Format	Can be in various formats like PDF, online documentation, etc.	Usually in the form of comments within the code or separate text files

Introduction

Documentation is an essential aspect of software development, providing a reference for developers, users, and other stakeholders. There are two main types of documentation: external documentation and internal documentation. Both serve different purposes and have distinct attributes that make them valuable in their own right.

External Documentation

External documentation refers to documentation that is created for users, clients, or other stakeholders outside of the development team. This type of documentation is typically aimed at providing information on how to use the software, its features, and any other relevant details that may be useful to the end user. External documentation is often written in a more user-friendly language, with a focus on clarity and simplicity.

• External documentation is often created in the form of user manuals, online help guides, tutorials, and FAQs.
• It is designed to help users understand how to interact with the software and troubleshoot common issues.
• External documentation is crucial for ensuring a positive user experience and reducing the need for customer support.
• It is typically written in a non-technical language to make it accessible to a wide audience.
• External documentation is often updated regularly to reflect changes in the software or address new user needs.

Internal Documentation

Internal documentation, on the other hand, is created for the development team and other internal stakeholders. This type of documentation is focused on providing technical details about the software, such as its architecture, design decisions, code structure, and implementation details. Internal documentation is crucial for ensuring that developers can understand and maintain the software effectively.

• Internal documentation is often created in the form of code comments, design documents, technical specifications, and README files.
• It helps developers understand the rationale behind certain design decisions and the overall structure of the software.
• Internal documentation is essential for onboarding new team members and ensuring continuity in development efforts.
• It is typically written in a more technical language, with a focus on accuracy and completeness.
• Internal documentation is often updated as the software evolves to reflect changes in the codebase and design decisions.

Attributes of External Documentation

External documentation is characterized by its focus on usability and accessibility. It is designed to be easily understood by users who may not have a technical background, making it essential for ensuring a positive user experience. External documentation is often written in a friendly and engaging tone, with a focus on providing clear instructions and helpful tips to users. It is typically structured in a way that is easy to navigate, with a table of contents, index, and search functionality to help users find the information they need quickly.

Attributes of Internal Documentation

Internal documentation, on the other hand, is characterized by its focus on technical details and accuracy. It is designed to provide developers with the information they need to understand and maintain the software effectively. Internal documentation is often written in a more formal and technical tone, with a focus on providing detailed explanations of the codebase, design decisions, and implementation details. It is typically structured in a way that is easy to reference, with sections dedicated to different aspects of the software's architecture and functionality.

Conclusion

External documentation and internal documentation serve different purposes and have distinct attributes that make them valuable in their own right. External documentation is essential for ensuring a positive user experience and reducing the need for customer support, while internal documentation is crucial for helping developers understand and maintain the software effectively. Both types of documentation play a critical role in the software development process, providing valuable information to users, clients, and internal stakeholders.