This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.
The original was posted on /r/opensource by /u/React-admin on 2025-01-27 13:09:27+00:00.
When I first started working on open-source projects, I really struggled with writing good documentation. What really helped me at the time was to draw inspiration from other docs.
Over time, I’ve bookmarked some amazing open-source docs that I keep coming back to. So, I’d like to share them with you, together with the “best practices” I’ve drawn from them (in the hope that they’ll inspire you too!):
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Everything is crystal clear and illustrated with examples.
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It’s well-categorized, so finding what you need is super easy.
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I also love the cross-linking between pages—it makes it very easy to go deeper or explore related concepts.
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The Fast Track is incredible—it walks you through building a Symfony project from scratch to production.
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The “Learn More” links at the end of each page are super handy, helping you figure out what to read next.
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Plus, it has a well-organized table of contents and detailed explanations.
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This one is also well-segmented, making sure you’re never overwhelmed.
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The “Essentials” section offers a perfect starting point and solid foundation, before diving into more specific topics.
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It includes dynamic examples, a built-in playground, and even an interactive tutorial that make it fun to learn on the spot.
- MDN: I know it’s not a library, but MDN still deserves a shoutout in my eyes!
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It’s rich in content with tons of examples that help solidify concepts.
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The playgrounds allow you to test ideas directly in the browser.
To sum up, here are the best practices I’ve tried to implement in my doc:
- Well-organized structure: A logical categorization and comprehensive table of contents help users navigate and find what they need quickly.
- Guided learning: Step-by-step guides, like Symfony’s “Fast Track” or Vue.js’ “Essentials,” provide structured learning paths for beginners and advanced users alike.
- Clarity and examples: Clear explanations paired with practical, real-world examples make concepts easy to understand.
- Interactive learning: Built-in playgrounds and interactive tutorials make learning hands-on and engaging.
- Cross-linking and next steps: Links to related pages or “Learn More” sections help users deepen their understanding and explore related topics more easily.
These are just some of the docs I love and have learned from, but I’m sure there are many other amazing docs out there! Feel free to share your favourites :)