Technical writing documentation best practices

Create clear, usable technical documentation that reduces support burden. Documentation hierarchy: 1. Getting started guide: installation, setup, first successful use. 2. User guides: task-oriented instructions with screenshots. 3. API reference: endpoints, parameters, examples, error codes. 4. Troubleshooting: common problems with step-by-step solutions. 5. FAQ: frequent questions from support tickets. Writing principles: 1. Task-oriented: focus on what users want to accomplish. 2. Scannable format: headings, bullet points, numbered steps. 3. Progressive disclosure: basic info first, advanced details in expandable sections. 4. Plain language: avoid jargon, explain technical terms. Information architecture: logical grouping, clear navigation, search functionality. Visual elements: screenshots with annotations, flowcharts for processes, code examples with syntax highlighting. Maintenance workflow: 1. Version control with product releases. 2. User feedback integration: comments, ratings, improvement suggestions. 3. Analytics tracking: most-viewed pages, drop-off points. Tools: GitBook for collaborative editing, Loom for video walkthroughs, Snagit for annotated screenshots.