Documentation style guide

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This is a work in progress

General

  • When inserting links or references, have the text of the link be significant (also avoid links that say "click here"), for example
    • preferred form: :ref:`create a new authorized value category <add-new-authorized-value-category-label>`
    • non-preferred form: :ref:`create <add-new-authorized-value-category-label>` a new authorized value category
  • Use American English
  • Write 'system preference' in long form (rather than just 'preference')
  • Use 2nd person (you do this and that)

Screenshots

  • Try to take general screenshots that can be reused in many places, for example, I will take a screenshot of all options in a menu rather than very specific screenshots of a single button/option
  • Classify the screenshots in the module where they were taken rather than where the screenshot is used in the manual, for example, a screenshot of an OPAC message in the OPAC will be classified in the OPAC directory even if it is used in the patrons chapter to show how it looks to the patron when you add a message in their file

Titles / headings

  • Use verbs and present participle, for example
    • preferred form: Adding an authorized value
    • non-preferred form: Add an authorized value
    • non-preferred form: Creation of an authorized value
  • Always add a label, so that this section can be referred to elsewhere

Descriptions

  • When describing a form, use a bullet list and each bullet should start with the label of the field, for example
    • preferred form: Name: this is the name of the field as you want it to appear.
    • non-preferred form: Enter the name as you want it to appear.
    • non-preferred form: Enter the 'Name' as you want it to appear.

Formatting

  • Cut lines at 80 characters if possible (not always possible, esp. with tables)
  • Do not cut ref links (it creates errors or warnings upon build)
  • Follow bullet points with two spaces
  • End complete sentences with a period
  • Use single quotes, except if the content has an apostrophe
  • Use single quotes and capitalization for button names, for example
    • preferred form: Click the 'Submit' button.
    • non-preferred form: Click the submit button.

Things we still have to decide on

  • How to indicate modules (capitalized or not? in single/double quotes? In italics or bold?)
  • Tense of verbs in sentences
    • Present: the number of holds is displayed; the button is on the right
    • Future: the number of holds will be displayed; you will see the button on the right

See also