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What does "documentation" mean in programming?
documentation is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
Written explanations of how software works — API references, architecture guides, inline comments, and READMEs. Good documentation reduces onboarding time and preserves context for future maintainers. The best documentation explains the why, not just the what.
Example
"Without documentation, only the original author knows why this workaround exists."
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