Skip to main content

The future of software technical writing: Emerging trends and tech to watch

As the technology field evolves rapidly, so does the role of software technical writers. As experts in creating effective documentation, software technical writers must adapt to new trends and technologies to remain relevant and valuable. In this article, we will explore the emerging trends and technologies shaping the future of software technical writing.

AI and NLP​

One of the most significant advancements in recent years has been the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP). These technologies are making it possible to create automated documentation systems that can generate accurate, concise, and user-friendly content.

Example​

OpenAI's GPT-4 can be used to generate code documentation by providing it with a sample code snippet:

Python
import OpenAI

gpt = OpenAI.GPT("your_api_key")

code_snippet = """
def add(a, b):
    return a + b
"""

response = gpt.generate(prompt=f"Explain the function: {code_snippet}", max_tokens=50)
print(response['choices'][0]['text'])

Collaborative writing platforms​

Collaborative writing platforms such as Google Docs, Notion, and Confluence are becoming increasingly popular for software technical writing. These platforms enable multiple authors to collaborate on a single document, track changes, and provide real-time feedback. This streamlined approach to documentation can lead to more accurate and up-to-date content.

Integration with developer tools​

Technical writers are starting to adopt tools that integrate directly with developer workflows, such as Git, Jira, and Visual Studio Code. These integrations allow writers to work closely with developers, ensuring documentation stays in sync with code changes and project updates. This helps to maintain consistency and accuracy in the documentation.

Example​

You can create a Visual Studio Code extension to generate documentation for a given code block:

JavaScript
const vscode = require('vscode');

function activate(context) {
    let disposable = vscode.commands.registerCommand('extension.generateDoc', () => {
        const editor = vscode.window.activeTextEditor;
        if (!editor) {
            return;
        }
        
        const selectedCode = editor.document.getText(editor.selection);
        // Implement your documentation generation logic here
        const generatedDoc = generateDocumentation(selectedCode);

        editor.edit((editBuilder) => {
            editBuilder.insert(editor.selection.start, generatedDoc);
        });
    });

    context.subscriptions.push(disposable);
}
exports.activate = activate;

AR and VR documentation​

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are making their way into technical documentation, allowing users to interact with complex systems in immersive environments. This can lead to better understanding and improved troubleshooting for users. For example, a user wearing an AR headset could see a step-by-step guide overlaid onto a physical device, helping them navigate the process without consulting a separate manual.

Interactive tutorials and code sandboxes​

Interactive tutorials and code sandboxes, like those provided by platforms such as Codecademy and Repl.it, allow users to learn and experiment with code directly within the documentation. This hands-on approach enables users to gain a deeper understanding of the software and helps to bridge the gap between reading about a concept and implementing it.

Example​

Embedding a live code editor like the one provided by CodeSandbox allows users to interact with the code examples directly in the documentation:

HTML
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <script
        src="https://embed.codesandbox.io/embed.js"
        async
        defer
    ></script>
</head>
<body>
    <div class="codesandbox-widget" data-sandbox-id="your_sandbox_id"></div>
</body>
</html>

Increased emphasis on UX writing​

As software becomes more complex and user-centered, the role of the technical writer is shifting toward UX writing. This means focusing on creating documentation that is not only accurate but also user-friendly, engaging, and easy to understand. This may involve working closely with UX designers, product managers, and developers to create a cohesive user experience across all aspects of a product.

Video and animated content​

The popularity of video and animated content is growing, with platforms like YouTube becoming an essential source of information for many users. Technical writers are now creating video tutorials, webinars, and animated content to complement traditional written documentation. This multimedia approach caters to different learning styles and can help users grasp complex concepts more quickly.

Conclusion​

Many emerging trends and technologies are shaping the future of software technical writing. By staying informed and adapting to these changes, technical writers can continue to provide valuable and relevant content for users. The integration of AI, collaborative platforms, AR/VR, interactive tutorials, UX writing, and multimedia content will ensure that technical documentation remains an essential part of software development and user success.