Opening passage: A new look at the system documentation problem

The unwieldy and sometimes bizarre practices used in computer documentation spring from its role in the computer company and its relation to software development. This paper analyzes the assumptions and research methods behind manuals for programmers and system administrators. It builds an objective critique of current manuals' disjointed and legalistic approach. The paper also relates documentation issues to the structure of computer systems and to methods of development. Although analytical and theoretical, it offers concrete examples of better documentation and ends with a list of suggestions for writers.