documentation-standards

Establish documentation standards for READMEs, code comments, API docs, and changelogs.

10|5|Updated Jan 29, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Claude-Code-Community-Ireland/claude-code-resources --skill documentation-standards-claude-code-community-ireland
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: documentation-standards
Source: https://github.com/Claude-Code-Community-Ireland/claude-code-resources/tree/main/plugins/vibeworks-library/skills/documentation-standards
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Claude-Code-Community-Ireland/claude-code-resources --skill documentation-standards-claude-code-community-ireland

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and templates to ensure all project documentation is clear, consistent, maintainable, and adheres to best practices across READMEs, code comments, API docs, changelogs, and architecture descriptions.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Standardized READMEs: Offers a robust template and checklist for effective project overviews.
  • Effective Code Comments: Guides on when and how to write comments, emphasizing the "why" over the "what."
  • Structured API Docs: Provides conventions for JSDoc and Python docstrings, including examples and parameter/return documentation.
  • Changelog Best Practices: Adheres to Keep a Changelog format for clear release notes.
  • Architecture Documentation: Introduces C4 model levels and ADRs for capturing design decisions.
  • Runbook Guidelines: Outlines a clear format for operational guides.
  • Technical Writing Principles: Covers audience awareness, active voice, progressive disclosure, and formatting rules.
  • Use Case: A new developer joins a project and needs to understand how to document their code, update the README, and contribute to the changelog. This Skill provides all the necessary standards and examples.

Quick Start

Review the README template and checklist to ensure your project's README follows best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions about documentation-standards

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What's the best way to structure a README for a software project?

A standardized README should follow a robust template and checklist to provide an effective project overview, ensuring clarity and consistency for new developers joining the project.

How do I write effective code comments that focus on the why?

Effective code comments explain the reasoning behind the code rather than the mechanics. Technical writing standards emphasize documenting the "why" over the "what" to improve long-term maintainability.

How do I format a changelog using the Keep a Changelog standard?

Changelog formatting should adhere to the Keep a Changelog standard to ensure clear release notes. This structured approach maintains consistency and makes release tracking predictable.

What is the C4 model for architecture documentation?

The C4 model provides structured levels for architecture documentation, allowing teams to visualize software design at different zoom levels, from context down to code components.

How do I document API parameters and returns in JSDoc and Python docstrings?

Structured API documentation conventions for JSDoc and Python docstrings require explicitly documenting parameters, return values, and examples to ensure clarity and consistent interface contracts.

When do I need to create an Architecture Decision Record (ADR)?

Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) are needed to capture and document significant design decisions within a software project, providing historical context and rationale for future maintainers.