new-guide

The Diátaxis framework structures technical writing into four distinct quadrants—tutorials, how-to guides, reference pages, and explanations—to ensure documentation remains purpose-driven and serves specific reader needs effectively.

To write a how-to guide without mixing in theory, apply quadrant enforcement from the Diátaxis framework, which prevents blending explanations with instructions and keeps content strictly within its intended scope.

Structure technical documentation for a specific audience by establishing an audience contract first, which defines the reader's posture and ensures the guide serves their exact needs before drafting any content.

The Diátaxis framework works for user guides by categorizing them into tutorials, how-to guides, reference pages, and explanations, ensuring each type maintains its distinct purpose and structure.

The best way to create a tutorial versus a reference page is to use quadrant-based templates that enforce the Diátaxis framework, keeping learning-focused tutorials separate from reference material.

You should not use a how-to guide format when the content is reference material or conceptual explanation, as the Diátaxis framework requires keeping these quadrants distinct to maintain documentation integrity.