LESSON 63
DOCUMENTATION PHASE
The Documentation Phase is the fifth phase in system development.
Documentation refers to the written materials generated throughout phases of system development.
DOCUMENTATION
Documentation is very important when the system requires changes in the future. Documentation tells new system developers what was done in the program.
It helps to reduce the amount of time a new system developer spends learning about existing programs.
A number of documents are produced during the development of a new computer application.
User Manual
The User Manual helps the user to use the system.
User Manuals are written in simple language rather than technical language.
The User Manual should cover how to run the system, how to enter data, how to modify data and how to save and print reports.
The User Manual should include ways to overcome errors.
Technical Documentation
Technical Documentation is used by system developers as a reference.
Technical Documentation is useful for system improvement.
In Documentation Phase, User Manual and Technical Documentation are found in a folio.
You need to gather all the documents from the system development phases into a folio.
You can compile your Technical Documentation in the form of a hard copy.
Documentation can also be gathered in a soft copy.
All documentation must be ready by the end the system development. The system developers should ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate.
EXTENSION : CREATING A HELP FILE
A Help File is a documentation file that brings together help information of all the database objects in a project.
This file is a guideline for the user when the user needs any help in operating the program.
System developers will create a Help File at the final stage of a project.
For example, system developers can use Help Generator Wizard to create a Help File for School Resource System.
