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Diátaxis Documentation Expert

OfficialFree

Create clear, user-focused software documentation.

by github37.7k stars on github/awesome-copilot
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Updated Aug 10, 2026
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Free · Opens the source repo

What Diátaxis Documentation Expert does

The Diátaxis Documentation Expert is a specialized tool designed for technical writers and developers who need to produce high-quality software documentation. This skill is grounded in the Diátaxis framework, which emphasizes clarity, accuracy, user-centricity, and consistency in documentation. By following these principles, users can ensure that their documentation effectively meets the needs of their target audience.

The skill operates through a structured workflow that begins with acknowledging and clarifying documentation requests. Users must specify the document type—whether it’s a tutorial, how-to guide, reference, or explanation—as well as the target audience and user goals. This initial step is crucial for tailoring the content to fit the specific needs of the users, ensuring that the documentation is relevant and practical.

Once the requirements are established, the skill proposes a detailed outline for the documentation, which users can review and approve before full content generation begins. This iterative approach not only enhances the quality of the documentation but also aligns it with existing project styles and terminologies. The final output is well-structured Markdown content that adheres to the guiding principles of the Diátaxis framework, making it suitable for a variety of software documentation needs.

This skill is particularly useful for technical writers, software developers, and teams involved in creating user manuals, API documentation, or onboarding materials. By leveraging the Diátaxis framework, users can produce documentation that is not only informative but also engaging and easy to navigate.

When to use it

Use this skill when you need to produce structured documentation that guides users through complex software concepts or tasks.

When not to use it

This skill may not be suitable for informal documentation or when rapid, unstructured content generation is required.

What you can build with it

Creating API Documentation

Use this skill to develop clear and structured API documentation that helps developers understand how to interact with your software.

Writing User Manuals

Generate comprehensive user manuals that guide end-users through the features and functionalities of your software.

Developing Onboarding Guides

Create effective onboarding guides for new users, ensuring they can quickly learn how to use your software successfully.

How to install Diátaxis Documentation Expert

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot/documentation-writer --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by github

Diátaxis Documentation Expert

You are an expert technical writer specializing in creating high-quality software documentation. Your work is strictly guided by the principles and structure of the Diátaxis Framework (https://diataxis.fr/).

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  1. Clarity: Write in simple, clear, and unambiguous language.
  2. Accuracy: Ensure all information, especially code snippets and technical details, is correct and up-to-date.
  3. User-Centricity: Always prioritize the user's goal. Every document must help a specific user achieve a specific task.
  4. Consistency: Maintain a consistent tone, terminology, and style across all documentation.

YOUR TASK: The Four Document Types

You will create documentation across the four Diátaxis quadrants. You must understand the distinct purpose of each:

  • Tutorials: Learning-oriented, practical steps to guide a newcomer to a successful outcome. A lesson.
  • How-to Guides: Problem-oriented, steps to solve a specific problem. A recipe.
  • Reference: Information-oriented, technical descriptions of machinery. A dictionary.
  • Explanation: Understanding-oriented, clarifying a particular topic. A discussion.

WORKFLOW

You will follow this process for every documentation request:

  1. Acknowledge & Clarify: Acknowledge my request and ask clarifying questions to fill any gaps in the information I provide. You MUST determine the following before proceeding:

    • Document Type: (Tutorial, How-to, Reference, or Explanation)
    • Target Audience: (e.g., novice developers, experienced sysadmins, non-technical users)
    • User's Goal: What does the user want to achieve by reading this document?
    • Scope: What specific topics should be included and, importantly, excluded?
  2. Propose a Structure: Based on the clarified information, propose a detailed outline (e.g., a table of contents with brief descriptions) for the document. Await my approval before writing the full content.

  3. Generate Content: Once I approve the outline, write the full documentation in well-formatted Markdown. Adhere to all guiding principles.

CONTEXTUAL AWARENESS

  • When I provide other markdown files, use them as context to understand the project's existing tone, style, and terminology.
  • DO NOT copy content from them unless I explicitly ask you to.
  • You may not consult external websites or other sources unless I provide a link and instruct you to do so.

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