Basic Software Documentation Terms Every Tech Writer Should Know

Introduction

It helps to know Basic Software Documentation Terms if you’re documenting any software product. It cuts down on your preparation time and saves you from getting those “funny stares” from the developers/engineers when it becomes apparent that you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Rule of Thumb

Always do your homework first and get the lingo down before approaching an engineer for more information.

So, make sure you’re familiar with these concepts (it helps at job interviews too).

• Build

Software build is the process of creating a new version of the software from its source code. It is usually done by making a new directory to contain the new version, copying in all the files that are needed, and then running commands to compile and link everything together.

Software builds can be performed for many reasons including:

• To create an installer package for software distribution
• To create a distributable package of software updates
• To create a distributable package of patches or security fixes
• To test changes in development versions of software before they are released as production versions

• Release

Software release is a process of delivering the latest software to the customers. It is a process that starts with planning and ends with deployment.

The first step in software release is to plan the release. This involves making a list of all the tasks that need to be completed before the release can be deployed. Once this has been done, you will need to assign responsibilities and deadlines for each task.

The next step in software release is testing and debugging. The goal of this stage is to identify any bugs or errors in your code, so it’s important to test thoroughly before releasing anything into production. You may also want to do some load testing if you are expecting high traffic volumes on your site after deployment.

• Release Notes

Software release notes are a document that gives information about the changes made in a software release. It is important to provide software release notes to users because they are the ones who will be using the product. Users want to know what has changed, how it works and why their experience may have improved or worsened.

The following are some of the key points that should be included in release notes:

• What’s new in this release?
• What has been fixed or improved?
• What’s being deprecated and why?
• How does this version compare with previous versions?

• A “Bug”

Software bugs are the most common type of error in a computer program. They are usually caused by mistakes in the program’s code. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

A software bug is a flaw or fault that causes unintended and unexpected behavior to occur in a computer program. A bug can cause anything from an incorrect calculation to a system crash, from minor annoyance to fatal consequences.

Software bugs come in many different forms and have many different causes, but they all have one thing in common: they cause problems for someone using the software.

• A “show-stopper bug” (or “a Blocker issue”)

A “show-stopper bug” (or “a Blocker issue”) is a problem in a program that prevents it from being used. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

A show-stopper bug can be caused by many factors such as:

• A coding error or a design flaw.
• An error in the program’s logic.
• A problem with the hardware or system software on which the program is running.

A show-stopper bug can be fixed by correcting the underlying cause, but sometimes it may require an upgrade to the system software, which may not be available yet.

• “Bug tracker” or just plain “Tracker”

A bug tracker is a software tool that is used to manage and organize bugs.

A bug tracker can be either an online or offline application.

It can also be on the same computer as the software it is for, but it doesn’t have to be.

Some examples of bug trackers are Jira, Bugzilla, MantisBT and Redmine.

• SourceSafe

SourceSafe is a software application that enables developers to store and manage their source code in a centralized location. It also allows them to share their code with other developers on the team.

SourceSafe was developed by Microsoft as part of Visual Studio 97. It was first released in 1997, as part of Visual Studio 6.0, and has been included in every version of Visual Studio since then.

The SourceSafe client can be installed on any computer that is running Windows XP or later, but the server must be running Windows Server 2003 or later.

• Version Control

Version control is the process of tracking changes to a file or set of files over time so that you can identify specific versions and revert to them if necessary. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Version control systems allow developers to work on the same project simultaneously while avoiding conflicts. They also provide a history of changes made to the project, which can be used for debugging or providing documentation.

Version control systems are not one-size-fits-all, and it’s important to choose one that will work best with your team’s workflow and development process.

• Configuration

Software configuration is the process of defining and managing the software that makes up an application. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Software configuration is a process that defines and manages the software that makes up an application. It includes determining which applications are needed for a project, how they should be configured, which versions should be used, where they should be installed from, what their dependencies are, and how they should interact with each other.

Software configuration can also include managing updates to these applications in order to keep them secure and functioning properly.

The process of configuring software varies greatly depending on the size of your organization or project team as well as its needs. For example, a large organization might have a separate team dedicated to configuring and maintaining the company’s website.

• Configuration Management (also check out: Agile, a CM software)

Software Configuration Management is a set of software development practices that are used to identify, document, and maintain the versions of software components.

The main purpose of Software Configuration Management is to provide a framework for the management and control of changes in a software system. It does this by keeping track of all changes made to the system so that it can be reproduced at any given time. This ensures that every component in the system is up-to-date and consistent with other components in order to prevent errors and increase reliability.

Software Configuration Management is an important part of any project because it helps developers keep track of what they have changed, when they changed it, why they changed it, who they changed it for, and how they changed it. These are all important pieces of information when developing a product such as cost, technical feasibility, and marketability that must be taken into account before moving forward.

• Conditional text, image, table

Conditional text, image and table are used to create a more interactive document.

Conditional text is used to show different content based on the user’s input. For example, if the user selects “yes” from a list of options, then they will see one set of content. If they select “no” from the list, they will see another set of content.

Conditional text is a type of HTML that allows the web page to display different content based on the browser’s screen size, or the user’s device.

Image can be used to show different information based on the user’s input. For example, if the user selects “yes” from a list of options, then they will see an image with one set of information on it. If they select “no” from the list, they will see another set of information in that image.

A conditional table has content that changes depending on the user’s input as well. In certain situations and in response to specific inputs, the table itself might not be displayed at all.

Conditional text is one way for AI writers to help copywriters save time on tasks like writing emails or blog posts. Tables and images will still require human input for now but it is possible that in the future they will be generated by AI writers as well.

• Agile vs. Waterfall Model of SW development

Agile is an iterative and incremental approach to software development, which is an alternative to the traditional waterfall model. Agile allows developers to work in short cycles of time called sprints, where they plan out what they are going to do and then work on it. It also has a focus on quality over quantity.

The waterfall model is a linear approach where a project starts with requirements analysis and design, followed by coding and testing. This process repeats until the project is completed. The waterfall model can be seen as more old-fashioned because it doesn’t allow for change during the process of development.

• Sprint (in Agile SW Development)

A sprint is a time-boxed period of work in the Agile framework during which a set of work is completed. It typically lasts between 1 and 4 weeks.

A sprint can be seen as a smaller iteration. The team will create an increment of the product that is made up of one or more features, with each feature being fully developed, tested and integrated into the live system.

A sprint can be used to reduce risk by limiting work in progress (WIP) and to increase productivity by using feedback loops to rapidly respond to changes in requirements or market conditions.

The sprint process starts with an idea for new features and ends with a working product and includes:

• Planning
• Development
• Testing
• Deployment
• Maintenance

Sprints are a powerful instrument for managing projects and their complexity. They can be used for any project that has an objective to deliver an increment of product at the end of each sprint cycle.

• Scrum (in Agile SW Development)

Scrum is a framework for Agile software development. The idea behind it is to have a team of people that are cross-functional and self-organizing.

In Scrum, there is a time-boxed iterative process that has two main stages:

1. The first stage is called the “product backlog”, which are all the features and requirements of the product to be developed.

2. The second stage is called the “sprint”, which usually lasts for 2-4 weeks, during which the team works on completing as many items from the product backlog as possible and creating a potentially shippable piece of functionality that can be demoed to stakeholders at the end of each sprint.

• Epic vs. Story vs. Task (in Agile SW Development)

Epic is a high-level task that can be broken down into smaller tasks. Epics are high-level, user-facing features that can be delivered in a single release.

Story is a feature or functionality that can be broken down into smaller tasks. Stories are more specific features and typically include tasks for developers to complete.

Task is a smaller assignment with detailed instruction or action for completing an epic or story.

• Specs, Specifications (or Requirements)

Specification is a document that provides a detailed description of the requirements for a system. Specifications are usually written in English, but they can also be written in other languages. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Specification documents are created to help developers understand the needs of the system and to make it easier to plan and estimate work.

The specification document should include:

• The purpose of the system (why it is being developed)
• The features of the system (what it does)
• The requirements for the system
• The limitations on use or operation of the system
• The assumptions about users, their needs, and their environment

The specification should be comprehensive enough to enable an independent third party to implement and test it. The specification should be as detailed as possible and describe every aspect of the system in sufficient detail so that it can be tested by an independent third party or by another developer.

• Functional Specs (or Functional Requirements)

Functional specs (or Functional Requirements) are a set of specifications that are supposed to describe the design and behavior of a product, system, or software. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

The purpose of functional specs is to make sure that the system will do what it is supposed to do. They are also helpful in making sure that the system does not do anything it is not supposed to do.

The functional requirements document is often created by the business analyst. It is used to define what the customer needs from a piece of software or system. It can also be used as a blueprint for developers to follow when building the software or system.

• MRD (Marketing Requirements Document)

The Marketing Requirements Document (MRD) is a document that provides the necessary information for marketing to understand what the business needs to be successful.

The MRD is a written document that contains all the information about the product, its marketing and promotion, and how it will be sold. The MRD is also used to define how marketing will measure success.

The MRD should include:

• Product name and description
• Marketing objectives
• Product features
• Target market
• Marketing channels
• The target audience
• The campaign objectives and goals
• Marketing tactics to achieve these goals (e.g., advertising, PR, social media)
• Budgeting information (e.g., cost per acquisition)
• Definitions of key terms related to the marketing campaign

It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

• Scope Document

A scope document is a document that outlines the scope of a project and its requirements. It is also called as a project brief. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

The scope document typically includes the following:

• The goals of the project
• What the project is about
• Who will be involved in the project
• What skills are needed for this particular project

Scope documents are mainly used in software development projects where there is an upfront cost for creating the product. The scope document provides an estimate of how much money will be required before work on the project can start. It also helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project understands their role and what they are expected to deliver.

• Design Document

Design documents are a vital part of the design process. They are used to communicate the design and layout of a website or application to stakeholders, developers, and designers. Design documents can be as detailed or as sparse as needed. It all depends on what is needed for the project. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

A good design document should include:

• A clear statement of the problem that is being solved by this project
• The goals for this project
• A description of any constraints that may impact this project
• The requirements for this project
• The features that will be included in this project
• User stories that describe how users will interact with these features

Design documents are a must for any project. They are the blueprint that guides the project from start to finish. They help you stay on track, and they help your team stay organized. Design documents are not just for tech projects, but for any type of project.

Design documents can be used to define the scope of your project, to outline the process, and to estimate how long it will take for each phase of the project. It can even be used as a guide for your team members who work on different parts of the project.

A design document is also a way to get feedback before you even start working on your project. You can use it as a way to pitch your idea and get feedback from stakeholders or clients before you invest too much time in it.

• Database (DB)

A database is a collection of data that is organized so that it can be easily accessed, managed, and updated. The data in a database is stored in tables, which are in turn made up of rows and columns.

The rows represent records or items, and the columns represent fields or attributes.

A database management system (DBMS) is the software that controls how the data is stored and retrieved from the database.

• Relational Database

A relational database is a type of database that uses a collection of tables, each containing data that is related to the other. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

A table is a two-dimensional grid of rows and columns, where each row represents a different “thing” or entity, and each column represents one aspect of that thing. Data about the things are stored in cells corresponding to the intersection of their row and column.

The rows are also called tuples or records. The columns are also called attributes or fields.

The relational model was originally conceptualized by Edgar F. Codd as an abstract mathematical model rather than as an actual physical system. It was not until some years later that Codd’s work would be implemented by Donald D. Chamberlin and Raymond F. Boyce in what would be known as SQL (Structured Query Language).

• Flatfile Database

A flatfile database is a simple database that stores information in a single file.

It is a type of database that stores data in tables with rows and columns. It is a simple, but inflexible type of database. The data is stored in an organized, tabular structure and can be easily imported and exported.

In the early 1970s, when computers were not as powerful as they are today, it was not possible to store large amounts of data in a single file. So instead of storing all the data in one file, it was stored in different files with different extensions. But this made things difficult for programmers because they had to keep track of which file contained which piece of information and where to find it.

In 1972, two programmers from Bell Labs created the flatfile database system and solved this problem by storing all the data in one file. This made programming much easier because programmers no longer had to worry about finding different files with different extensions and now could just read from one source – the flatfile database.

• System Architecture

Computer systems are designed to solve a particular problem. The system architecture is the structure of the system and how it solves the problem. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

A system architecture is a blueprint of the components of a system, the relationships among those components, and the principles governing its design and evolution. In other words, it is the structure or composition of a system.

A system architecture should be designed to support the objectives of its stakeholders by balancing various factors such as performance, cost, reliability, maintainability, usability and scalability. The architecture must also be flexible enough to accommodate foreseeable changes in technology or business needs.

A computer system has three major parts: input, processing and output. Input is data that comes in from outside sources, such as sensors or keyboards. Processing is when data is used to produce a new result, such as when data is analyzed or stored. Output is information that comes out of a computer system into the world, such as graphics on a screen or sound from speakers.

• N-Tier System Architecture

N-Tier system architecture is a software design pattern that divides an application into logical tiers, or layers. Each layer performs a specific task and communicates with the other layers using a well-defined interface. The use of this architecture improves scalability, maintainability, and flexibility of the application.

The different tiers of the N-Tier System Architecture are:

• Presentation tier
• Logic tier
• Data tier

The presentation tier provides an interface to the user, while the logic tier processes data and updates to storage on behalf of the presentation layer.

The data layer stores persistent data and provides a set of services for all other layers in order to access it, such as querying or updating records.

This separation allows for changes in one layer without affecting any other layers, which increases stability and scalability while also improving performance by making it easier to load and render content from different layers.

It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

• Client/Server Architecture

A client/server architecture is a set of hardware and software that work together to provide a service, usually one that is too complex for a single machine to handle. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

A Client/Server system is one of the most common architectures for building applications, especially for enterprise-level systems. It’s also referred to as “two-tier architecture.”

A Client/Server system is a distributed application that is composed of two parts: a server and a client.

Client/server architecture is a distributed computing model that divides the workload between a server and one or more clients. In this model, the server provides services to clients and the clients provide data to the server. The division of labor between client and server is flexible and can be customized for each application’s needs.

The server can be on the same machine as the client or they can be in different places connected by a network.

The benefits of client/server are that it provides scalability because it allows for adding more servers to increase performance when needed. It also provides availability because if one server goes down, other servers can take over its load while it recovers.

Finally, client/server architecture is secure because only authorized users are allowed on each end of the connection.

• Client-side vs. Server-side (as in “Javascript is a client-side script but PHP is not”)

In Computing:

Client-side and server-side computing are two different approaches to processing data.

Client-side computing is a method in which the computation is done on the client’s computer, while server-side computing is when the computation is done on a remote server.

The two methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Client-side computing has better performance because it doesn’t have to rely on a connection with the remote server. Server-side computing has more storage space because it can store data in its database.

In Web Development:

The client-side and server-side are two different approaches to web development.

Client-side: The client-side is a technique for building web applications that rely on the browser to handle all of the processing.

Server-side: The server-side is a technique for building web applications that relies on the server to process data, store it, and provide it to the user’s browser.

The client-side approach is more popular because it allows users to interact with their data in real time, but this can be costly in terms of bandwidth usage and processing power as well as slower response times.

Apps:

A client-side web application is an application that runs in a web browser, as opposed to a server-side web application, which runs on the server.

Client-side applications are often written in JavaScript and use HTML and CSS to render the user interface. They can be written using frameworks like React, Angular, or Ember.

Server-side applications are often written in languages like PHP or Ruby on Rails. They can be written using frameworks like Laravel or Django.

• A Script versus a Programming Language

A script is a set of instructions that are used to automate tasks. Scripts are often used to automate the execution of repetitive tasks and to make decisions based on user input.

A programming language is a set of rules and specifications that are used to create software.

Scripts are often executed by interpreters, which read the scripts and execute their commands.

Programming languages are executed by compilers, which read the code and convert it into executable programs.

A script is usually written in plain text and will be executed by the operating system, while programming languages are usually written in a formal language (such as C++, Python, or Java) that can be compiled into machine code.

Languages like JavaScript, Python, and Ruby are all scripting languages. They are different from compiled languages like C++ or Java because they are not translated into machine code before they run; instead, they’re interpreted at runtime by another program (often called a “script engine”) that interprets the code and carries out the desired actions as instructed by the programmer.

Scripts differ from other programming languages in that scripts do not need to be compiled before they can execute whereas other programming languages must be compiled.

• Differences Between Javascript and Java

JavaScript is a scripting language that can be used in web browsers to add interactivity and dynamic effects to web pages. It is also used in many other applications.

Java is a general-purpose programming language that can be used to create both small and large programs. It was designed to be simple enough for beginners to learn, but powerful enough for experts to use.

Java is an object-oriented language that can be used with a variety of platforms, including mobile devices. It was created by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems in 1991.

Javascript is a scripting language that was created by Brendan Eich in 1995 at  Netscape Communications Corporation and it was originally called LiveScript.

Java is an object-oriented programming language, whereas Javascript is not.

Java has static typing, whereas Javascript does not.

Java has strict compilation, whereas Javascript does not.

Java has many built-in classes and methods, whereas Javascript does not.

• Test Cases

Test cases are an important part of software testing and should be created before any testing begins. They are used to document what needs to be tested and how it will be tested. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

The test cases are created to test the features of a product. They are used for testing and debugging purposes. The test cases are also used for performance testing, security testing, and usability testing.

Test cases should be created before the product is actually developed so that the developers can know what to do with it and how to build it.

When writing a test case, you need to make sure that it covers all the necessary points. This includes defining the scope, setting up the environment and preparing any data needed for testing.

• Use Cases in Software Development

Use Cases in software development are the documentation of an interaction between a user and a system. They are often used to test the system for the correctness and completeness of requirements. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Use cases help in the design and planning process by outlining the requirements of a software product. They also help in understanding how to develop the product with various stakeholders like customers and developers.

The use cases in software development are different from the use cases in other fields. This is because software development is a process that involves different people with different skillsets.

There are two types of use cases: functional and non-functional.

Functional use cases

Functional use cases describe the system’s behavior, including what it does, how it does it, when it does it, and why it does it.

Non-Functional use cases

Non-functional use cases describe a system’s attributes such as performance, usability, reliability and maintainability.

Use cases provide a way for the developers to see what the user wants from their system. It also provides an opportunity for them to document all the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to complete that task.

• HotFix or a Patch

What is a hotfix?

A hotfix is a small software update that fixes a bug or adds a new feature. It is a quick, temporary solution to an urgent problem. It’s typically applied to the most recent version of the code and is designed to be removed when the next update has been released.

What is a patch?

A patch is the same as a hotfix but it can also be used to update the entire system. It is a small software update that fixes some specific problems without changing the software’s core functions. A patch may be used to fix bugs in software without requiring the customer to download and install a new version of the software package.

Hotfixes are usually applied to individual programs, while patches are applied to an entire system. The difference between the two lies in their scope and what they’re fixing.

It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

• Functionality

Functionality has been an integral part of software development since the beginning. Initially, all functionality was programmed by hand, but with the rise of programming languages and compilers, this changed. Today, there are many tools that allow developers to focus on other aspects of their work while still maintaining a high level of functionality. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

• SQL

SQL is a database language that is used to manage data. It is the most popular language for relational databases.

SQL stands for Structured Query Language and it is the most popular language for relational databases. It can be used to query, create, alter and drop tables, as well as insert, update and delete data from tables.

SQL was developed by IBM in the early 1970s, and it was designed to provide compatibility between different types of databases.

• AD (Active Directory)

Active Directory is a directory service that stores information about objects in a network.

Active Directory is an integral part of Windows Server and Windows client operating systems, as well as in other Microsoft server products. It provides centralized control over distributed resources and facilitates the secure sharing of data among users and groups within the enterprise.

Active Directory can be hosted on-premises or in the cloud.

• Visibility

Visibility is the degree to which an object can be seen from a given position.

The term visibility is used in software development to refer to the degree to which an object can be seen from any point in the program. In other words, it is a measure of how much of the program’s code and data are visible at any one time. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

In programming languages with lexical scoping, visibility is usually determined by whether a variable or function name has been declared locally or globally.

• Usability

Usability is a measure of how easy it is to use a software product. It is the degree to which software can be used by the end-user to achieve their goals. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Usability does not only depend on how well the interface and features work, but also on the ease of learning and use, the efficiency of operation, and the pleasure with which the customers use the product (or “user-friendliness”).

Usability can be measured by determining how long it takes someone who has never seen or used the system before to complete a specific task.

Usability Testing

Usability testing is one of the most common methods of evaluating the usability of software. It helps in evaluating how easy or difficult it might be for people to use, learn and work with your product or service.

It helps in evaluating how easy or difficult it might be for people to use, learn and work with your product or service.

Usability can be assessed by observing the user’s actions, feelings, and thoughts as they interact with the product.

Usability can be observed in many ways, such as:

• The time it takes for a user to complete tasks
• How satisfied the user feels with their experience
• The number of errors encountered during usage
• How much users enjoy using your product

• UX (User Experience)

UX is the user’s experience with a product. It’s about how users feel when using the product and how it makes them feel about the company that created it. It is the quality of a user’s interaction with the services or products. It includes all aspects of the user’s interaction with the company, such as ease of use, accessibility, and responsiveness. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

UX is a very important aspect of software development because it determines whether people will use a product or not. A good UX can make a bad product usable and vice versa.

User Experience (UX) is an umbrella term for all aspects of the end-user’s interaction with the company, its services, and its products.

What is UX Design?

UX design is about creating a positive experience for users. This includes making sure that users are able to easily navigate through your website or app and find what they need quickly and efficiently.

• Repeatability

Repeatability in software development means that every time a process starts over, the same steps are followed as before. If this doesn’t happen, then it can lead to problems like bugs and errors in the final product.

Repeatability is a feature in software development that allows the user to set up a process to automate their daily tasks.

A repeatable process can be implemented as a flowchart, or an automated script. Repeatability is achieved by implementing these tasks in a series of steps that are performed one after the other. The user can then choose the frequency at which they want these steps to be executed, and specify any inputs they need in order to execute them.

This feature has many use cases, such as:

• Automating routine tasks like data entry and report generation
• Creating frameworks for project management
• Setting up ‘if this then that’ scenarios
• Creating templates for emails and documents

• DC (Data Center)

Data centers are the backbone of the internet. They are computing facilities that store, manage, and process data. Data centers can be used by a single organization or they can be shared among organizations. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

A data center is a location where computer systems and associated components are housed, typically for the purpose of hosting data processing services. Data centers can be as small as a single server or as large as hundreds of thousands of servers.

Data Centers are usually large buildings (sometimes physically hardened and protected by armed guards) or rooms in a building that contain racks of servers, storage devices, networking equipment, and cabling.

In software development, DCs are used for storing the code, data, and other assets of a software project. The DC can be used to store the code in its entirety or just some parts of it. If only some parts are stored in the DC, then it is called a version control system.

The aim of DCs is to make sure the data is safe from any malicious attacks like hacking or other cybercrimes.

• SOX

SOX is an acronym for the (United States) Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This landmark legislation was designed to protect investors in the United States by improving the accuracy of corporate disclosures. The Act was passed in response to a series of major corporate and financial scandals, including Enron and WorldCom, that had shaken investor confidence in U.S. markets during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The act has three main provisions: Section 302, which requires CEOs and CFOs to sign off on the accuracy of their company’s financial statements; Section 401, which creates a set of criminal penalties for altering or destroying accounting records; and Section 404, which requires companies to create internal controls that would prevent accounting fraud.

Fortune 500 corporations in the United States have employed technical writers in the past to create documentation to comply with SOX regulations and mandates.

• Risk Mitigation

Risk mitigation in software development is the process of identifying and evaluating risks so that they can be either eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level. This is done by analyzing the probability of occurrence, impact, and cost of the risk. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

The main purpose of risk mitigation is to reduce the likelihood of something going wrong on a project, or if things do go wrong, then to minimize the impact that it has on both time and money.

It’s important for developers to have a clear understanding of what risk mitigation entails before starting the process. The general idea is to identify all possible risks and then evaluate them so that you can take appropriate measures for reducing them or eliminating them altogether.

Risk mitigation in software development can be done by following these steps:

• Identify risks and prioritize them
• Evaluate the impact of each risk
• Develop a plan to mitigate each risk
• Implement that plan

• Unit Testing

Unit testing is a type of software testing which involves running a program with the intent of finding errors. It is a process of running tests on the smallest unit of code to make sure that it is working properly. The goal of unit testing is to find bugs early before they become a problem for other parts of the system. It is used to find bugs in the code before it is released. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Unit testing is often done by developers before code is released to the customer. It may be performed by programmers or quality assurance specialists, who use tools to automate the process.

Unit tests are often used to check that new code does not break existing code, and to ensure that future changes do not cause unintended side effects.

Unit Testing, also known as white-box testing, can be done on both small and large sections of code in order to check for errors and ensure quality assurance standards are met.

• Integration Testing

Integration testing is the process of testing a system or component by verifying that it integrates correctly with other components. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Integration testing is used to verify that the components of an application function together correctly, and that they integrate with other applications. The process is usually performed after unit testing and before the final stage of software development. It’s a critical step in the software development process because it helps identify any issues with how different parts of the system work together.

Integration testing can be done at different levels: unit, component, system, and acceptance. The level of integration test depends on the type of software being developed and its life cycle stage.

• Regression Testing

Regression testing is a type of software testing that is used to ensure that changes or new features have not broken any existing functionality. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Regression tests are created by re-running the same test cases that were executed when the software was last tested. This ensures that the new code does not break old code.

It is very important to test a new system on a variety of data sets, and not just on one or two. If regression testing is not done, then you may end up with bugs in your system that you didn’t know existed and they will become hard to find.

It is an important part of the Software Development Lifecycle and it is done by using automated tools or manual methods.

Software regression testing can be done in two ways:

1) Automated regression tests, which are executed by an automated tool.

2) Manual regression tests, which are executed manually by a human tester.

• Intranet

Intranet is a private network that connects different parts of an organization for communication, collaboration, and shared access to documents. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

It connects different parts of an organization for communication, collaboration, and shared access to documents. It can be used by employees in the same company or institutions within the same country. Intranets are also called enterprise networks or company networks.

The first intranet was created in 1983 by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

• KM (Knowledge Management)

Knowledge management is the process of capturing, storing, and using information. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Knowledge management systems capture knowledge from a variety of sources and make it available to other people in an organization. These systems help manage knowledge as it moves through an organization.

It is a set of concepts and practices that can be applied to the process of identifying, creating, sharing, applying, managing, preserving, and (when necessary) deleting knowledge in an organization.

The goal of KM is to create a culture where everyone can access relevant knowledge for their work or study at any time.

The idea behind KM is that by making sure that people are accessing the right information at the right time they will be able to perform their jobs better than before.

• CMS (Content Management System)

CMS is a system that allows you to create and manage content on the web or inside an organization. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

It is a software tool that allows you to create and manage content on the web. With a CMS, you can easily add, edit, delete, and organize your website’s content.

A CMS is an essential part of any website because it manages all of the content on your site. A good CMS will allow you to easily add new pages, update existing pages and delete pages when necessary. It should also be easy for you to organize your site’s content into different categories or sections so that it’s easier for visitors to find what they are looking for.

• Open Source

Open Source is a term used to describe a type of software that is available to the public for free. It’s one of the frequently used Software Documentation Terms.

Software that is open source can be modified and redistributed by anyone. This means that they can be used in any way the user wants, including for commercial purposes. The goal of open source software is to create an environment where everyone can contribute and share their ideas.

Open Source is a development model for software that allows the source code to be shared and improved. Open Source software is made available to the public, which allows users to modify and adapt it to their needs.