What is the best way to document web design frameworks and libraries for internal and external stakeholders?

1 Why document web design frameworks and libraries?

Documenting web design frameworks and libraries is not only a good habit, but also a necessity. It helps you and your team keep track of the features, options, dependencies, and updates of your tools. It also helps you communicate and collaborate with other developers, designers, testers, and clients who might use or interact with your tools. Documenting web design frameworks and libraries can save you time, reduce errors, improve quality, and increase user satisfaction.

2 What to document for web design frameworks and libraries?

When deciding what to document for web design frameworks and libraries, there is no single answer that fits all. However, there are some common elements to consider. These include the name, version, license, and source of the framework or library; its purpose, scope, and benefits; installation, configuration, and usage instructions; structure, components, and dependencies; code examples, snippets, and demos; style guides, conventions, and best practices; testing, debugging, and troubleshooting tips; as well as the changelog, roadmap, and feedback channels.

3 How to document web design frameworks and libraries?

There are various ways and formats to document web design frameworks and libraries, depending on preferences, tools, and the intended audience. Some of the most common and popular methods include using a documentation generator tool, such as JSDoc, Sphinx, or Doxygen, to automatically create documentation from code comments and annotations. Additionally, markdown languages like Markdown, AsciiDoc, or reStructuredText can be used to write documentation in a simple and readable way. Furthermore, static site generators like Jekyll, Hugo, or Gatsby can be utilized to convert documentation files into a website that can be hosted and shared. Lastly, documentation hosting platforms like GitHub Pages, Read the Docs, or GitBook provide a ready-made template and interface for your documentation.

4 When to document web design frameworks and libraries?

Documenting web design frameworks and libraries should not be an afterthought or a chore, but rather an integral part of the development process. To do so effectively, you should document your tools as soon as you have a working prototype or a stable release, using a consistent style and terminology. Additionally, it is important to update your documentation incrementally and iteratively as you add, modify, or remove features. Moreover, it is beneficial to invite feedback, suggestions, and contributions from your team and users so that everyone can collaborate interactively.

5 Where to document web design frameworks and libraries?

Documenting web design frameworks and libraries is not only about writing text, but also considering the location and format of your documentation, the structure and navigation of it, the design and layout of it, as well as its accessibility and usability. Whether your documentation is embedded in your code or published online, divided into sections or modules, plain or styled with colors, fonts, images, and icons, responsive or compliant with web standards, the task of documenting is rewarding. It can help you improve your skills, showcase your work, and share knowledge with others. Moreover, it can help create and maintain websites that are more efficient, effective, and enjoyable for you and your users.