documentation
Proof in writing
Documentation is written material that explains, records, or provides evidence of something.
Software documentation describes how programs work and how to use them.
Legal or official documentation consists of papers that verify identity, ownership, or authorization: You'll need documentation to cross the border.
The word can also mean the act of creating such records: Her documentation of the process was thorough.
Stored historical records
- filesStored data collections
- databaseOrganized digital information collection
- repositoryPlace for storing things
- registryOfficial record of entries
dossier · portfolio · chronicle · annals · logbook · ledger · transcript · inventory
Demonstration of truth
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- substantiationProof of truth
- corroborationEvidence confirming another account
- verificationProving something accurate
validation · confirmation · exhibit · testimony · affidavit · deposition · notarization · sworn statement
Formal written attestation
- diplomaAcademic completion document
- licenseFormal grant of permission
- passportGovernment-issued travel credential
- papersOfficial written records
permit · credentials · certification · accreditation · verification · authentication · authorization · proof
Written instructions for use
- handbookCompact reference guide
- guidebookReference for travelers
- compendiumCondensed reference collection
- encyclopediaComprehensive subject-matter collection
glossary · appendix · bibliography · citation · footnote · source · index · cross-reference
Software communication standard
- READMEDocumentation file convention
- specificationDetailed technical requirement
- changelogRecord of project updates
- release notesSoftware update summary
inline comments · schema · annotation · metadata · version control · wiki · software manual · syntax
Instructional step-by-step guide
- how-toPractical instruction format
- walkthroughSequential instructional guide
- step-by-stepIn sequential stages
- guideLeader or instruction book
procedure · protocol · checklist · onboarding · demonstration · installation guide · troubleshooting guide · best practices
archive
Stored historical records
- filesStored data collections
- databaseOrganized digital information collection
- repositoryPlace for storing things
registry · dossier · portfolio · chronicle · annals · logbook · ledger · transcript · inventory · recordkeeping
proof
Demonstration of truth
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- substantiationProof of truth
- corroborationEvidence confirming another account
verification · validation · confirmation · exhibit · testimony · affidavit · deposition · notarization · sworn statement · witness statement
certificate
Formal written attestation
- diplomaAcademic completion document
- licenseFormal grant of permission
- passportGovernment-issued travel credential
papers · permit · credentials · certification · accreditation · verification · authentication · authorization · proof · attestation
manual
Written instructions for use
- handbookCompact reference guide
- guidebookReference for travelers
- compendiumCondensed reference collection
encyclopedia · glossary · appendix · bibliography · citation · footnote · source · index · cross-reference · help file
API
Software communication standard
- READMEDocumentation file convention
- specificationDetailed technical requirement
- changelogRecord of project updates
release notes · inline comments · schema · annotation · metadata · version control · wiki · software manual · syntax · parameters
tutorial
Instructional step-by-step guide
- how-toPractical instruction format
- walkthroughSequential instructional guide
- step-by-stepIn sequential stages
guide · procedure · protocol · checklist · onboarding · demonstration · installation guide · troubleshooting guide · best practices · workflow
- cultural heritagefolklore, traditions, customs, folk music revival, museum collections
- workplace skillsemail etiquette, time management, teamwork, communication, deadlines
- coding educationcoding bootcamp, online courses, tutorial, coding camp, textbook
- evidence termscredibility, reliability, validity, verification, corroboration
- institutional knowledgebest practices, procedures, protocols, workflows, institutional memory
- observation methodsdirect observation, clinical observation, watching, recording, tracking
documentationdisproof
Evidence showing falsehood
refutation · rebuttal · denial · contradiction · counterevidence
documentationconjecture
Guess from limited facts
speculation · guesswork · hearsay · surmise · supposition
documentationoral tradition
Culture passed by speech
undocumented · off the record · unrecorded · erasure · secrecy
- official documentationVerified papers from authorities
- travel documentationOfficial border-crossing credentials
- health documentationOfficial account of care
- supporting documentation
- legal documentationFormal written records with authority
- false documentationFabricated official records