Propose Documentation Fixes from Code Changes

This guide walks you through turning code changes into accurate documentation updates. When you modify code, the related docs often become outdated; this process helps you identify what changed, update the docs to match, and submit the changes as a clear, reviewable proposal. You’ll need access to your code repository and documentation files, plus a basic understanding of version control.

What You’ll Need

• A code change that is complete or in progress (e.g., a merged or open pull request)
• Access to the repository containing both code and documentation
• A code editor or text editor
• Familiarity with Git (or your version control system) for committing and pushing changes
• Optional: a documentation style guide if one exists

Step-by-Step

1. Review the code change thoroughly. Open the commit, pull request, or diff that contains the code modification. Understand what behavior changed: new functions, changed parameters, removed features, altered return values, or updated configuration options. Take notes on every user-facing aspect that might be referenced in documentation.
2. Locate relevant documentation. Search the docs for terms related to the changed code. Look for function names, class names, command-line flags, configuration keys, API endpoints, or any text that describes the old behavior. Use your repository’s search or grep across markdown, reStructuredText, HTML, or other doc files.
3. Compare old behavior with new behavior. For each piece of documentation you found, check if it still matches the code. Identify sections that are now inaccurate, incomplete, or missing. Common mismatches include outdated parameter descriptions, changed default values, removed options, or examples that no longer work.
4. Draft the documentation changes. Edit the relevant files to reflect the new behavior. Be precise: update descriptions, code examples, screenshots (if applicable), and any version notes. If the code change is large, consider breaking the doc updates into logical chunks. Follow the existing style and tone of the documentation.
5. Add a changelog entry (if applicable). Many projects maintain a changelog. If your code change is user-facing, add a brief note under the appropriate version or “Unreleased” section. Mention the change and link to the relevant issue or pull request.
6. Test the documentation. Build or render the docs locally if possible. Verify that code examples run correctly (if they are executable) and that links and anchors work. Check for typos and formatting errors.
7. Create a separate branch (or commit). To keep the doc fix reviewable, create a new branch from the same base as your code change. If the code change is already merged, branch from the current main. If the code change is in an open pull request, you can either push the doc changes to that same branch or create a separate pull request targeting the code branch.
8. Commit with a clear message. Write a commit message that explains what and why, e.g., “Update docs for new timeout parameter in config”. Reference the related code commit or issue number if available.
9. Push and open a pull request. Push your branch and create a pull request. In the description, summarize the doc changes, link to the code change that prompted them, and note any areas you’re unsure about. Request review from the same people who reviewed the code if appropriate.
10. Respond to feedback. Reviewers may request adjustments. Make the changes, commit, and push. Once approved, merge the pull request.

Common Mistakes

• Updating docs without understanding the code change. Guessing at new behavior leads to more inaccuracies. Always read the code diff and any related tests.
• Forgetting to update examples. A code example that uses the old syntax will mislead readers. Update every example that touches the changed API.
• Missing related docs. The same function might be documented in multiple places (API reference, tutorial, FAQ). Search broadly.
• Not adding a changelog entry. Even if the project doesn’t strictly require it, it’s good practice and often expected.
• Making unrelated formatting changes. Keep the diff focused on the doc fix to make review easier.
• Ignoring version history. If the docs are versioned, you may need to update multiple versions (e.g., latest and stable). Check the project’s conventions.

Tips

• Use the code as the source of truth. When in doubt about a parameter’s default or a return value, look at the code or tests.
• Link code and docs. In your pull request, mention the code change explicitly (e.g., “Fixes #123” or “Companion to PR #456”).
• Small, focused commits. If you’re updating multiple sections, commit them separately with descriptive messages.
• Leverage doc linters. If the project has a markdown linter or spell checker, run it before submitting.
• Ask the code author. If the code change is not yours, reach out to the author for clarification on intended behavior.

Troubleshooting

• Docs build fails. Check the error message. Common causes: broken links, missing images, or syntax errors in markup. Fix and rebuild.
• Reviewer says the docs don’t match the code. Re-examine the code change. Perhaps you missed a nuance. Run the code or tests to verify the actual behavior.
• You can’t find the relevant docs. Broaden your search: look for generated API docs, inline comments, or README files. If the feature is new, consider where it should be documented.
• Merge conflict with another doc change. Rebase your branch on the latest main, resolve conflicts manually, and re-test the docs.
• The code change is not merged yet. You can still propose doc updates by targeting the code branch. If the code changes later, you’ll need to adjust the docs accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wait for the code change to be merged before updating docs?

No. You can propose documentation changes in the same pull request as the code, or in a separate pull request that targets the code’s branch. This is often encouraged so that docs and code are reviewed together.

What if the documentation is generated from code comments?

In that case, update the comments in the code itself. The generated docs will reflect the change once the build runs. Be sure to follow the comment style used in the project.

How do I decide what to update in the docs?

Focus on anything that a user would see or rely on: function signatures, parameter descriptions, return values, configuration options, examples, and troubleshooting sections. If the change affects behavior, it should be documented.

Should I update the documentation for previous versions?

It depends on the project’s versioning policy. Many projects only update the latest version, but some maintain multiple doc branches. Check the repository’s contribution guidelines.

Can I propose doc fixes for code changes I didn’t make?

Yes. If you notice that a code change has outdated docs, you can propose fixes. Reach out to the code author if you need clarification.

What if the docs are in a separate repository?

That’s fine. Follow the same process, but you’ll need to link the two pull requests (e.g., in the descriptions) so reviewers can see the connection.

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