Documentation: meaning, definitions and examples

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documentation

 

[ ˌdɑːkjʊmɛnˈteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

information

Documentation refers to the act of creating, collecting, and organizing information in a systematic way. It often includes written instructions, guidelines, manuals, and records to help users understand a product, process, or system.

Synonyms

guidance, instructions, records

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to read the documentation before using the software.
  • The documentation provided detailed steps for assembling the furniture.
  • The documentation for the project was well-organized and easy to follow.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

In a legal context, documentation refers to the collection and preservation of evidence or records to support a claim or prove compliance with regulations. It can include contracts, agreements, invoices, and other official documents.

Synonyms

evidence, paperwork, records

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer requested documentation to support the client's case.
  • The documentation submitted with the application was thorough and complete.
  • Proper documentation is essential for demonstrating regulatory compliance.
Context #3 | Noun

software

In the context of software development, documentation includes technical descriptions, specifications, and explanations of code and algorithms. It serves as a reference for developers, testers, and users to understand the software.

Synonyms

code explanation, software manual, technical documentation

Examples of usage

  • The software documentation outlined the functionality of each module.
  • Writing clear documentation is as important as writing good code.
  • Developers often refer to documentation when troubleshooting issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "documentation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 documentação

🇮🇳 दस्तावेज़ीकरण

🇩🇪 Dokumentation

🇮🇩 dokumentasi

🇺🇦 документація

🇵🇱 dokumentacja

🇯🇵 ドキュメント

🇫🇷 documentation

🇪🇸 documentación

🇹🇷 belgelendirme

🇰🇷 문서화

🇸🇦 توثيق

🇨🇿 dokumentace

🇸🇰 dokumentácia

🇨🇳 文档

🇸🇮 dokumentacija

🇮🇸 skjalavinnsla

🇰🇿 құжаттама

🇬🇪 დოკუმენტაცია

🇦🇿 sənədləşmə

🇲🇽 documentación

Etymology

The word 'documentation' originated from the Latin word 'documentum', meaning 'lesson' or 'example'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the process of creating and preserving written records. The concept of documentation has been essential in various fields such as information technology, legal practice, and research.

See also: documentarian, documentary, documented, documenting, documents, undocumented.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,270 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.