76-474 Software Documentation

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This course teaches theory, techniques, and best practices for creating software documentation. We will learn to plan, architect, write, and publish audience-appropriate user assistance, while applying concepts and approaches like minimalism, topic-oriented authoring, single-source publishing, content reuse, and metadata. Students will complete homework assignments and larger projects to reinforce principles and provide experience in all phases of the software documentation lifecycle. Readings and class discussion will bridge theory and practice. A minimum of junior standing is required.

Prerequisites: 76-271 or 76-270

Offered: Spring 2027, Spring 2026

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