# How to Build Clear, Useful Documentation for Developers

Creating documentation that developers actually want to use is harder than it sounds. It’s not just about writing down what your software does or how to use an API. It’s about delivering information that’s straightforward, easy to follow, and organized so developers can get what they need — fast.

If you’ve ever faced a confusing doc page or had to dig through poorly structured guides, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news? You can avoid those pitfalls with some careful planning and clear writing.

Here’s a practical approach to building documentation that works.

## Understand Who’s Reading Your Docs

Before you put fingers to keyboard, step back and ask: who exactly is going to use this? Developers come with different backgrounds and needs. Some might be beginners just trying to get started, others could be experts looking for a quick reference.

Knowing your audience affects everything — the language you use, the level of detail, the kind of examples to include. For instance, if you’re writing for developers integrating an identity verification API, they might expect sample requests, error codes, and authentication details. But if your audience is less technical, you might need to explain basic concepts first.

Creating user personas or gathering feedback from actual users can guide your tone and content depth. It keeps your documentation from becoming a dry manual no one reads.

## Organize for Quick Access

Good documentation is like a well-arranged toolbox. When you need a wrench, you don’t want to rummage through a jumble of tools. The same goes for developers hunting for info.

Start with a clear structure:

- **Getting Started Guides**: Step-by-step instructions for first-time users.
- **API Reference**: Detailed descriptions of endpoints, parameters, and responses.
- **SDK References**: How to use software libraries in different programming languages.
- **Troubleshooting**: Common errors and fixes.
- **FAQs and Best Practices**: Quick answers and recommendations.

Use headings, subheadings, and tables of contents so readers can skim and jump straight to the section they need. Consistent naming and layout across all docs also help reduce confusion.

If your docs live online, search functionality is key. Users often prefer typing keywords instead of scrolling endlessly.

## Write with Clarity and Precision

When you write documentation, clarity is your top priority. This means avoiding jargon unless it’s standard in your field, and defining terms when necessary. Don’t assume everyone knows what “OAuth 2.0” or “webhook” means — a brief explanation can save hours of guesswork.

Short sentences work better than long, winding ones. Active voice keeps things direct and lively. For example, say “Send a POST request to /verify” instead of “A POST request should be sent to the /verify endpoint.”

Use lists and bullet points to break down complex instructions. It makes scanning easier and reduces the chance of missing key steps.

## Show, Don’t Just Tell

Developers want to see how things actually work. Examples are your best friend here. Whether it’s a snippet of code or sample API responses, real-world samples clarify concepts and speed up learning.

For instance, if you’re documenting an SDK, provide a small, complete example that shows how to initialize the client, make a call, and handle errors. This helps users visualize the workflow instead of guessing what each function does.

Screenshots and diagrams can also add value, especially for onboarding guides or dashboard walkthroughs.

Speaking of dashboards, if you’re integrating a service that offers a management console, linking to the [onfido dashboard](https://dashboard.us.onfldo.com/) in your documentation can be very helpful. It allows developers to quickly switch between reading about features and managing their settings in real time.

## Test Your Documentation

No matter how well you think you’ve written your docs, they won’t be perfect until real users test them. Ask a few developers who haven’t worked with your product before to follow your guides and share where they get stuck.

Watch for common issues:

- Steps that are unclear or missing.
- Terms that confuse readers.
- Examples that don’t work as expected.

Gathering feedback allows you to fix problems early and improve the user experience over time.

## Keep It Updated and Relevant

Software changes, and so should your documentation. Outdated docs frustrate users more than no docs at all. Whenever you add new features, update APIs, or fix bugs, make sure your docs reflect those changes.

Version control can help. Tagging docs by software release ensures users can find the right info for their setup.

Finally, make it easy for users to report issues or suggest improvements — whether through comments, forums, or a dedicated support channel. This keeps the documentation a living resource that evolves with your product and user needs.

## Conclusion

Building documentation that developers rely on isn’t about fancy words or flashy design. It’s about respect for their time and needs. By knowing your audience, organizing content thoughtfully, writing clearly, providing examples, testing with real users, and keeping everything up to date, you create a resource that’s genuinely useful.

When done right, good documentation makes integration smoother, reduces support requests, and helps your product grow through satisfied developers.