Docs Write
Quick Checklist
- Audience and doc type (tutorial/how-to/reference/explanation)
- Clear style, active voice, consistent terms
- Structure: headings, skimmable, examples first
- Include visuals when helpful (mermaid inline; puml when reused)
- API: auth, requests/responses, errors, breaking changes
- ADR/runbook: context, decision/steps, rollback, contacts
- Cross-links and filenames; run docs-check after edits
Workflow
Writing Documentation
IMPORTANT: Before writing documentation, read references/documentation-guide.md to understand all standards, patterns, and requirements. Do not make assumptions about documentation style, structure, or content - always reference the guide for specific details.
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Read the full guide first: Load
references/documentation-guide.mdto understand complete documentation standards- This ensures you have all context about style, structure, doc types, and examples
- Do not proceed with writing until the guide is loaded in context
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Determine doc type: Read
references/documentation-guide.mdsection "Doc Types (Divio)" to choose tutorial, how-to, reference, or explanation- Tutorial: Learning-oriented, step-by-step for beginners
- How-to: Goal-oriented, task-focused
- Reference: Fact-oriented, API/technical details
- Explanation: Understanding-oriented, concepts and context
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Review style guidelines: Read
references/documentation-guide.mdsections:- "Style and Voice" - Active voice, clear language, consistent terminology
- "Structure and Skimmability" - Headings, examples first, clear organization
- Reference the guide for exact formatting, terminology, and style requirements
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Draft content: Use the checklist above, include code examples, and follow the structure guidelines from the guide
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Add visuals if needed: Read
references/documentation-guide.mdsection "Visuals and Diagrams"- Use Mermaid for inline diagrams (ER diagrams, sequence diagrams)
- Use PlantUML (.puml files) for diagrams referenced from multiple docs
- See examples in the guide for exact syntax - do not guess
- Use
look_atto interpret screenshots or diagrams before documenting - Use
ui_to_artifactfor a starter code snippet from a mockup
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For API documentation: Read
references/documentation-guide.mdsection "API Documentation"- Document authentication, request/response formats, error codes
- Include examples for all endpoints (see guide for format)
- Document breaking changes prominently
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For ADRs/Runbooks: Read
references/documentation-guide.mdsection "ADRs and Runbooks"- ADRs: Context, decision, consequences
- Runbooks: Steps, rollback procedures, contacts
- Follow exact templates from the guide
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Review and finalize: Read
references/documentation-guide.mdsection "Templates and Checklists"- Verify all checklist items are addressed
- Add cross-references to related documentation
- Ensure consistent terminology (check guide for exact terms)
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Verify: Run
bash skills/docs-check/scripts/check-docs.shto ensure documentation is complete
Reference Files
REQUIRED: Always read references/documentation-guide.md before writing documentation. The guide contains all standards, examples, and requirements. Do not make assumptions - load the guide and reference specific sections.
Read these sections from references/documentation-guide.md as needed:
- Style and Voice (
#style-and-voice) - Writing style, active voice, terminology - Structure and Skimmability (
#structure-and-skimmability) - Organization, headings, examples - Doc Types (Divio) (
#doc-types-divio) - Tutorial, how-to, reference, explanation types - API Documentation (
#api-documentation) - API docs patterns, examples, error handling - ADRs and Runbooks (
#adrs-and-runbooks) - Decision records and operational procedures - Visuals and Diagrams (
#visuals-and-diagrams) - Mermaid and PlantUML usage - Templates and Checklists (
#templates-and-checklists) - Documentation checklists - When to Document (
#when-to-document) - What changes require documentation
Full guide: references/documentation-guide.md - Complete documentation standards and best practices
Integration with Other Skills
- Use after
ada::docs:checkflags required updates. - Combine with
ada::code-reviewoutcomes to address documentation feedback. - Run
ada::code-qualityafter docs updates if code touched.
Examples
- New feature: choose how-to; add overview, steps, examples, and links; add diagram if complex.
- API change: document auth, requests/responses, errors, breaking changes; link to workflows.
- Schema change: update schema doc and ER diagram; link from API/feature docs if impacted.