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To ensure that a certain style is maintained, the rough structure is set out in this read-me. There are also templates for the articles that should be used when creating an article.

Differentiation of the articles

A distinction is made here between two different types of articles:

How-To

• A how-to article is instructional and task-oriented. Its primary goal is to guide the reader through the steps required to complete a specific action or set of actions.

• It focuses on providing a clear, step-by-step process to achieve a specific outcome.

Good Practice

• A good practice article is advisory, focusing on recommending strategies, techniques, or approaches that are considered optimal according to industry standards or expert consensus.

• It aims to enhance efficiency, quality, and outcomes in a given area, often based on broader experiences or accepted norms.

How-To Article

Title

• Descriptive and Action-Oriented: Clearly state what the user will learn to do. For example, "How to Configure Advanced Settings in [Software Name]".

Introduction

• Purpose: Briefly introduce the task or process that will be explained. Describe the final outcome or what the software will accomplish by following the steps.

• Target Audience: Specify who will most benefit from this tutorial (e.g., beginners, advanced users).

Prerequisites

• Requirements: List any necessary skills, prior knowledge, or resources the reader should have before starting. Include software versions, necessary permissions, or any initial setup steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Sequential Steps: Clearly lay out the steps needed to complete the task. Use numbered lists to guide the reader through the process.

  1. Step Detail: Explain each step thoroughly. Where relevant, explain why the step is necessary as well as how to perform it.

  2. Screenshots or GIFs: Incorporate visual aids to help illustrate more complex steps or to show exactly what the user should see on their screen.

  3. Code Snippets: If the task involves coding or script entry, provide the exact code needed, explaining any parts that need to be customized.

Tips and Tricks

• Additional Guidance: Offer tips to enhance understanding or provide shortcuts. Address any common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Troubleshooting

• Common Issues: List typical problems that could occur during the process and provide solutions. This helps preempt user frustration and potential roadblocks.

Verification

• Confirm Success: Explain how the reader can confirm that they have successfully completed the task. This could be what the software should display or how it should behave.

Conclusion

• Summary: Recap what has been done and the benefits of the configurations or settings adjusted.

• Further Applications: Suggest further tweaks or related tasks that can now be performed with the newly acquired knowledge.

Call to Action

• Engage Further: Encourage readers to comment with their results, ask questions, or suggest other how-to topics. If there are related tutorials, link to them.

Good Practice Article

Title

• Descriptive and Specific: Clearly indicate the software and the practice or feature discussed. Use specific terms that are likely to be searched for.

Introduction

• Objective: Briefly state what practice will be discussed and its relevance to the users of the software.

• Context: Provide a little background on why this practice is considered a best practice.

Importance of the Practice

• Benefits: Outline the benefits of following this best practice. This could include improvements in efficiency, security, user experience, or other relevant aspects.

• Potential Pitfalls: Highlight common mistakes or misconceptions associated with not following the best practice.

Detailed Guidelines

• Step-by-Step Instructions: Give a clear, concise description of how to implement the best practice. Use bullet points or numbered lists for clarity.

  • Specific Settings or Commands: Include any necessary technical details like specific settings, configurations, or command lines.

  • Screenshots or Code Snippets: Provide visual aids or examples to help clarify more complex steps or instructions.

Real-World Application

• Example: Provide a practical example or a case study that illustrates the successful application of the best practice.

• Comparison: Optionally, show a before and after scenario that demonstrates the impact of adopting this practice.

Tips and Additional Resources

• Supplementary Tips: Offer additional tips that can help users implement the best practice more effectively.

• Further Reading: Link to or suggest further reading materials, official documentation, or tutorials for deeper understanding.

Conclusion

• Recap: Summarize the key points covered.

• Encouragement: Encourage the reader to integrate this practice into their regular usage of the software.

Call to Action

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To create a How to article, please use the appropriate template: