Documentation Templates

This section provides standardized templates for creating consistent documentation across the ReX project.

Overview

Documentation templates ensure consistency in format, structure, and content across different types of documentation. They help maintain quality and reduce the effort required to create new documentation by providing a clear starting point.

Available Templates

Concept Documentation

• Concept Document: Template for documenting architectural and implementation concepts
  • Follows the trimodal methodology (bottom-up, top-down, holistic)
  • Provides progressive disclosure from fundamentals to advanced topics
  • Includes sections for examples and reference implementation details

Implementation Documentation

• Implementation Cookbook: Template for practical implementation guides
  • Organizes recipes by difficulty level
  • Connects implementation patterns to underlying concepts
  • Provides complete, working code examples

Reference Documentation

• Reference Types: Template for type reference documentation
  • Documents type structures, generic parameters, and constraints
  • Includes usage examples
  • Provides related types and implementation notes

Architecture Documentation

• ADR Template: Template for Architecture Decision Records
  • Captures the context and problem being addressed
  • Documents the decision and its rationale
  • Lists alternatives considered and consequences

Using the Templates

To use these templates effectively:

1. Copy the Template: Make a copy of the appropriate template for your document
2. Fill in Each Section: Replace placeholder content with actual documentation
3. Maintain Structure: Keep the standardized structure to ensure consistency
4. Cross-Reference: Include links to related documentation
5. Review: Ensure your document meets the quality standards described in the template

Template Structure

Each template provides:

• Section Headers: Standard sections for that document type
• Content Guidelines: Advice on what to include in each section
• Format Examples: Examples of properly formatted content
• Placeholder Text: Text in [brackets] to be replaced with actual content

Template Evolution

These templates will evolve over time:

1. Regular Review: Templates are reviewed for effectiveness
2. Feedback Integration: User feedback is incorporated into template improvements
3. Standardization: As patterns emerge, they are formalized in templates
4. Versioning: Major template changes are versioned to maintain consistency

Custom Templates

If you need to create documentation that doesn’t fit an existing template:

1. Review existing templates for relevant sections and formats
2. Follow the general documentation principles from CLAUDE.md
3. Create a consistent structure with clear section headings
4. Consider submitting your new format as a template for similar future documents

Documentation Quality Checklist

When using any template, ensure your document:

• Follows the specified structure
• Includes all required sections
• Provides concrete examples
• Uses consistent terminology
• Links to related documentation
• Is written in an objective voice
• Uses correct formatting (markdown, code blocks, etc.)
• Includes appropriate diagrams where helpful