write-documentation

Generate README, API references, and changelogs from source code.

3|Updated Mar 1, 2010
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/harleypig/dotfiles --skill write-documentation-harleypig
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: write-documentation
Source: https://github.com/harleypig/dotfiles/tree/main/config/claude/skills/write-documentation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/harleypig/dotfiles --skill write-documentation-harleypig

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill enables teams to author or refresh documentation that is accurate and current by deriving content directly from source code and project policies, rather than memory.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Derive documentation from the codebase (signatures, schemas, flags, and defaults) to ensure fidelity with the actual behaviour.
  • Support multiple forms (inline README, API references, changelogs) and link to canonical sources, avoiding duplication.
  • Wire updates into the correct index and changelog, and surface decisions to the adr workflow when applicable.

Quick Start

Draft or refresh the documentation for a code artifact by reading its source, choosing the appropriate doc form, and updating the index and changelog.

Frequently Asked Questions about write-documentation

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate accurate API references directly from source code?

Generate accurate API references by reading source code signatures, schemas, and defaults to produce documentation derived directly from the actual implementation rather than memory. This ensures fidelity with current behavior and links to canonical sources.

What is the best way to keep project README updates and changelogs in sync with code changes?

Keep README updates and changelogs in sync by deriving documentation content directly from source code artifacts and wiring those updates into the correct project index and changelog automatically during the documentation authoring workflow.

Can I use this to write documentation for any programming language or tech stack?

Yes, you can write documentation for code-oriented projects across languages and stacks. The process adapts to audience requirements by reading signatures and schemas from the source, ensuring the output fits the specific project context.

Does generating code-derived documentation also work with architectural decision records?

Yes, code-derived documentation integrates with the architectural decision record (ADR) workflow. When documentation generation surfaces relevant architectural decisions, it links those decisions to the ADR workflow for proper project tracking.

How do you avoid duplication when writing inline docs and API references for the same codebase?

Avoid documentation duplication by linking inline docs and API references to canonical sources rather than copying content. The generation process reads existing references and source artifacts to ensure a single source of truth.

When should I not use automated documentation generation for my project?

Automated documentation generation is not suitable for projects lacking stable source code signatures or schemas to read. It requires reading actual implementation details, so it fails when the codebase is missing or behavior is entirely undocumented.