What is Technical Writing?
What is Technical Writing?
Technical Writing is writing on a specific subject for a specific purpose to a specific audience. Technical Writers can be considered as a bridge between people who know technology and people who use it. They understand the intricacies and complications of technology and put it in simple words that help the user understand and use the technology.
What do Technical Writers do?
A technical writer’s job will be to gather information from various sources, comprehend the technology, and put it in simple and easy-to-understand language for the end user.
The following are some of the documents a technical writer creates:
- User manuals
- Online help files
- Reports
- Brochures
- Process documents
- Business proposals
- Resumes
- Memorandum
- Minutes
- Feature modules
- Release notes
- Policies and procedures
Who can be successful in Technical Writing?
Technical Writing is considered as both Science and Art. It is a science because there is a methodical way of doing technical writing. It is an art because it involves writing. People with inclination and passion for writing can score as good technical writers. The following are the attributes expected of a technical writer:
- Good written communication skills
- Flair for writing (Simple but good English is preferred)
- Inclination to learn new technologies
- Working knowledge of computers
Is Technical Writing a new field?
Many people think Technical Writing to be a new field. It is not so. Technical Writing has been existent for centuries. It is just that it is getting a good shape and the due recognition now. Internationally it is referred to as Technical Communication and is an integral part of a Corporate structure. A Document Development Cycle (DDLC) or a Software Development Cycle (SDLC) is not complete without a Technical Writer.