Clear and well-structured documentation is crucial to ensure that developers quickly understand how a Sylius project works and can contribute effectively. Here are some best practices for writing useful and accessible documentation in the context of a Sylius project.

Use clear and precise language

It is essential to use simple and direct language in documentation. Avoid overly technical jargon, especially for developers new to Sylius. When technical terms are necessary, provide simple definitions or explanations.

Structure your documentation logically

Documentation should follow a clear hierarchy. Organize information with headings and subheadings to allow for easy navigation. A documentation plan for a Sylius project could include:

• Installation and Configuration
• Project Structure
• API
• Plugins and Customization
• ...

Provide clear code examples

Code examples are an essential element in documentation. Developers often learn best by practicing with concrete examples. Make sure your examples are clear, relevant, and well-commented. Example of adding a product in Sylius:

use Sylius\Component\Core\Model\ProductInterface;
use Sylius\Component\Core\Repository\ProductRepositoryInterface;
public function addProduct(ProductRepositoryInterface $productRepository)
{
$product = $productRepository->createNew();
$product->setName('New Product');
$product->setCode('new-product-code');
$productRepository->add($product);
}

Update documentation regularly

Documentation must be updated every time code changes or new features are added. Use a versioning system (e.g., Git) to track changes in documentation, especially when new features are added to Sylius or architecture improvements are made.

Add an interactive table of contents

For fast navigation, add a table of contents at the beginning of your documentation. This allows developers to easily find what they need. Tools like phpDocumentor allow you to generate this table automatically from code comments.

Use automatic documentation generation tools

Tools like phpDocumentor can generate documentation from comments in the source code. This is particularly useful in a Sylius project where many classes and services are used. By properly annotating your code with docblocks, you can automatically generate detailed documentation for each class, method, and service.

For complex concepts or external libraries, it is advisable to include links to external resources. For example, you can include links to official Sylius documentation or other useful tools, such as Sylius plugins. This allows developers to explore further without overloading the main documentation.

Encourage collaboration and feedback

Documentation should be a living document. Encourage developers to contribute, ask questions, and report errors. Use platforms like GitHub or GitLab to manage documentation and allow the community to contribute. Comments and suggestions are essential for improving documentation.

By following these best practices, you ensure that your documentation is not only accessible but also useful for all developers, regardless of their experience level. Well-structured and maintained documentation is a valuable asset for the productivity and success of a Sylius project.