Diátaxis Framework
Details
- Full Name
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Diátaxis Documentation Framework according to Daniele Procida
Core Concepts:
- Four documentation types
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- Tutorials
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Learning-oriented, lessons for beginners
- How-to guides
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Task-oriented, directions for specific goals
- Reference
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Information-oriented, technical descriptions
- Explanation
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Understanding-oriented, conceptual discussions
- Two dimensions
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Practical vs. Theoretical
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Acquisition (learning) vs. Application (working)
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- Separation of concerns
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Each type serves a distinct purpose
- User needs
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Different users need different documentation at different times
- Quality criteria
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Each type has specific quality indicators
- Systematic approach
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Framework for organizing any documentation
- Key Proponent
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Daniele Procida
When to Use:
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Organizing technical documentation
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Improving existing documentation
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Planning documentation structure
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Evaluating documentation quality
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Complementing Docs-as-Code approaches
Current Status:
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The four-quadrant core (tutorials, how-to guides, reference, explanation) is stable; diataxis.fr is a living, unversioned site — the colophon says the work "continues to be elaborated and explored"
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The site has grown around the core: a theory section (the map, foundations, quality) and newer practical guidance such as "Diátaxis in complex hierarchies" — a prior anchored on the older Divio four-quadrant article (2014–2021) misses these refinements and the points where Procida has since revised his earlier presentation