Comprehensive Guidelines for Documenting and Integrating Tools

1. Duplicating the Documentation Template

  • Action: Begin by duplicating the folder docs/tools/TOOLNAME_template.
  • Purpose: This template serves as a foundational structure for documenting new tools, ensuring consistency across your documentation.

2. Describing the Tool in index.md

  • Content Requirements: In index.md, offer a comprehensive overview of the tool. This should include its purpose, key features, and any unique aspects that make it beneficial for your project.
  • Incorporating External Documentation: If there are external resources or official documentation for the tool, link them. This helps users understand the broader context and capabilities of the tool. External resources should be listed in the References section at the end of index.md, check the template provided. Notice that resources like images or PDFs should be stored in subfolder assets.
  • Example Structure:

```markdown # Tool Name

## Introduction to Tool Name

[Detailed introduction, including the tool's purpose and general functionality.]

## Features

[Detailed list of features, explaining how each aspect adds value to the project.]

## Use Case Illustration

Use Case Diagram

[Detailed description of a use case, demonstrating how the tool integrates into workflows or solves specific problems.]

## References

[Detailed list of references, include as one reference PDF version of catalogue entry for your tool.] ```

3. Usage and Integration Guide in integration.md

  • Content: Provide some brief description on how the tools is supposed to be used. If your tool is going to be offered as a SaaS extend such usage highlights, always referring to further documentation. In case your app is designed to be integrated with third party tools, then provide a clear, step-by-step guide for integrating the tool with third-party services. Remember provide a channel to ask for support about the tool.
  • Structure:
  • Usage instructions: Brief usage instructions of the tool. Add references to external resources where further details about usage are given if available. Otherwise, try to make these descriptions self-contained, including snaphshots, URLs and other usage tips.
  • Requesting Credentials: Outline the process for obtaining necessary access credentials.
  • Configuration Steps: Detail the steps for integrating the tool within their systems, including any specific settings or parameters.
  • Testing and Validation: Emphasize the importance of testing the integration and provide guidance on troubleshooting common issues.

4. Proof of Concept Code in examples

  • Purpose: Supply ready-to-use code examples in various programming languages to demonstrate practical integration or programmatic consumption/usage of the tool documented.
  • Details: Each example should include comprehensive comments explaining each step and its relevance to the integration/usage process.

5. Documenting Examples in examples/index.md

  • Structure: For each example, include objective of example, prerequisites, a detailed walkthrough of the project structure, and step-by-step instructions for setup and execution.
  • Clarity: Ensure that the instructions are clear, concise, and suitable for users with varying levels of expertise.

6. Summarizing Tool in docs/index.md

  • Overview: Provide a brief yet informative summary of the tool, highlighting its significance and utility within the project.
  • Example Entry:

```markdown ### Tool Name

These guidelines aim to provide a thorough and user-friendly approach to documenting and integrating tools, thereby enhancing the accessibility and usability of your project's documentation.