Start Using What You've Learned!

Writing, like any skill, can only be improved through time and practice. Luckily, as a developer, you are writing all the time. Whether it is an email, code comments, or a slack message to your PM, there is not a day that goes by without you writing something for someone somewhere. So, how can you make sure that you are honing your technical writing skills at the same time?

Practice makes perfect

Although technical writing is a specific type of writing, its characteristics can be utilized even when you are not writing a piece that technically falls within the realm of technical writing. One such type of writing that you are probably very familiar with is email writing. Next time you write an email, you should:

• Practice knowing your audience. Knowing your audience will benefit you no matter the medium you are working within. One of the best non-technical writing examples of this would be in an email. Next time you write an email, look at it before you hit send and ensure that the information is presented in the best possible way for the intended audience. Not only will this allow you to practice a crucial characteristic of technical writing, but it will also increase the effectiveness of your email.

• Practice making your writing accessible. Accessibility is important in every type of writing. You will need to know your audience to ensure your writing is accessible. How accessible your writing is will directly relate to how well your writing is understood and therefore received.