Overview

Docs as Code is a concept that allows organizations to create and manage documentation like they would manage code. This approach can help streamline the documentation process, reduce errors, and ensure consistency across all documentation.

If you want to learn about docs as code, you have come to the right place. Docs as code is a new concept quickly gaining popularity in the technical writing community. In this guide, I will share what docs as code are, their benefits, and how to get started.

What is Docs as Code?

Docs as Code is treating documentation like code. Software development tools, processes, and methodologies can be applied to creating and managing documentation. Instead of using traditional documentation tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, Docs as Code uses markup languages like Markdown and AsciiDoc.

It involves writing documentation in plain text files and controlling their versions with Git. The documentation can be stored alongside the code, making it easy to keep everything in sync. For Example, Version Control (Git) Plain Text Markup (Markdown, reStructuredText, Asciidoc)

Importance of Docs as Code

There are several benefits to using Docs as Code for documentation:

• Collaboration: Since Docs as Code uses the same tools and processes as software development, it allows developers and technical writers to collaborate more effectively. Technical writers can work alongside developers and use the same version control systems, making it easier to keep documentation up-to-date.
• Automation: Docs as Code allows for automated documentation generation, reducing the manual effort required to maintain it. Automated processes can build, test, and publish documentation to various platforms.
• Versioning: Since Docs as Code uses version control systems, it allows for easy documentation versioning. This means you can easily see the changes made to the documentation over time and revert to a previous version if needed.
• Ease of use: Markdown and AsciiDoc are easy to learn and use, making it easy for developers and technical writers to create and maintain documentation.
• Consistency: When documentation is managed like code, enforcing standards and ensuring that all documentation is created consistently is easier. This can improve the overall quality of the documentation.

Tools Used in Docs as Code Setup

Here are some of the tools of a Docs as Code setup:

1. Markup Language: Markdown and  AsciiDoc are markup languages that are easy to read and write and can be converted into HTML or other formats. They are used for writing documentation and can be easily version-controlled.
2. Version Control System: Git is used to manage documentation repositories. Documentation is stored in a Git repository, which makes it easy to collaborate with others and keep track of changes.
3. Static site generator: A static site generator is a tool that takes Markdown files and generates static HTML pages from them. Ensure you select the languages and frameworks your development team already uses so they don’t have to learn a new one.

Static site generators are Jekyll, Hugo, and MkDocs.

4. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) tool: A CI/CD tool is used to automate the process of building and deploying documentation. When changes are pushed to the Git repository, the CI/CD tool will automatically build the documentation and deploy it to a website or other hosting platform. Jenkins, CircleCI, 
5. Web Hosting Platform: This is a type of internet hosting service that hosts websites for clients. Read the Docs is a free doc hosting platform.

Getting Started with Docs as Code

To get started with Docs as Code, there are a few key steps to be taken: 

Step 1: Choose the right tools

There are various tools available for managing documentation as code. I have listed a few above. Choose tools that are easy to use and collaborate with and offer the features and functionality your organization needs.

Step 2: Create a documentation structure

This structure should be based on your organization’s needs and include file naming conventions, directory structure, and documentation templates. This will ensure that all documentation is created consistently, making it easier for users to find the necessary information.

Step 3: Establish a workflow for managing documentation

This workflow should include version control, code review, testing, and deployment. By establishing a workflow, organizations can ensure that all documentation is reviewed and tested before it is deployed, helping to improve the overall quality of the documentation.

Conclusion

Docs as Code is an approach to documentation that can help streamline your documentation process. Get familiar with the tools and processes involved in Docs as Code to ensure the quality and effectiveness of your documentation.

Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Twitter.