Talk:Software documentation

User Docs Old Hat

User documentation for software, especially complex software, is a thing of the past. Big, money-making software publishers believe GUIs have eliminated the need for good user documentation, because the point-and-click paradigm is so simple, so self-explanatory, a child could use it. Of course, this is a rationalization that, in a way bstitute for use case by usage scenario coverage of every feature. The people in the best position to publish effective user documentation (because they understand the motivations and the details) don't do it. So technical publishers hire technical writers who take a stab at the task and fail as often as they succeed to fill the gap. Such a shame!--72.75.76.186 02:49, 20 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In the Electronic Design Automation software industry, good documentation is necessary. It is printed documentation that is no longer produced. There isn't a culture where the vendor expects to sell you several, (tens-of), thousands of dollars worth of software license then expects you to buy a book to learn all the really useful stuff about how to use the software - There are no 'Clock-insertion for dummies' books. --Paddy 04:14, 21 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

section: Architecture/Design Documentation

Should clarify what IS means in "outline what the IS situation is". --AlastairIrvine 03:24, 1 May 2007 (UTC)[reply]