Codedocs: executable documents for documenters: the end of the passive user guide

ABSTRACT

What began as research into the creation of an automated toolset for writers, using embedded executable code in documents, or CODEDOCs, has evolved into a re-examination of the user guide as a construct in documentation suites. The CODEDOC redefines the traditional user guide, by integrating the documentation and the application into a seamless whole. The prototype discussed in this paper specifically assists documenters in the management of templates. There are many more possibilities for both documenters and general users.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.7 DOCUMENT AND TEXT PROCESSING
      I.7.2 Document Preparation
          Subjects: Languages and systems

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Training, help, and documentation

General Terms:
Design, Documentation