Documentation Planning

Use this skill when creating or updating documentation.

Follow all base planning rules, plus the documentation-specific rules below. Documentation changes do NOT require changelog updates. </IMPORTANT>

Documentation-Specific Requirements

Documentation Type

Identify what type of documentation is being created/updated:

• API Documentation - Endpoint descriptions, parameters, responses
• User Guide - How-to instructions for end users
• Developer Guide - Setup, architecture, contribution guidelines
• Code Comments - Inline documentation, JSDoc/Doxygen
• README - Project overview, quick start
• Architecture - System design, data flow, diagrams

Audience Analysis

Consider who will read this documentation:

1. Who is the audience? - Developers, users, administrators?
2. What do they need to know? - Concepts, procedures, references?
3. What is their skill level? - Beginner, intermediate, expert?

Content Structure

Plan the documentation structure before writing:

• Use clear headings and hierarchy
• Include code examples where helpful
• Add diagrams for complex concepts
• Provide links to related documentation

Plan File Format

Save to planning/docs-<name>.md:

# Documentation: <Doc Name>

## Goal
<What documentation is being created/updated>

## Type
<API/User Guide/Developer Guide/Code Comments/README/Architecture>

## Audience
<Who will read this, their skill level, what they need>

## Analysis
<Current state, gaps, related docs>

## Tasks
- [ ] Task 1
- [ ] Task 2
- [ ] Review for clarity

## Structure
<Outline of documentation sections>

## Notes
<Style guides, templates to follow, related links>

Example

User request: "Document the authentication flow"

Planning output:

# Documentation: Authentication Flow

## Goal
Create comprehensive documentation of the authentication system

## Type
Developer Guide + Architecture

## Audience
- Backend developers integrating with auth system
- New team members understanding the codebase
- Skill level: Intermediate developers

## Analysis
- Current state: Only inline code comments exist
- Gaps: No flow diagrams, no token lifecycle explanation
- Related: API docs mention auth but don't explain it

## Tasks
- [ ] Create auth flow diagram (login, refresh, logout)
- [ ] Document token lifecycle and storage
- [ ] Explain role-based access control
- [ ] Add code examples for common auth operations
- [ ] Review and link from main README

## Structure
1. Overview
2. Authentication Flow Diagram
3. Token Management
   - Access tokens
   - Refresh tokens
   - Token storage
4. Role-Based Access Control
5. Code Examples
6. Troubleshooting

## Notes
- Use Mermaid for diagrams
- Follow existing docs/STYLE_GUIDE.md
- Link to API docs for endpoint details