Diataxis Documentation Guidance

Diataxis Documentation Guidance

Use this skill to help documentation contributors and maintainers produce mode-correct, actionable docs as defined by https://diataxis.fr/.

Routing

Pick the entry point by user intent:

• Classification or mode selection requests: read references/decision-flow.md
• Drafting or rewriting requests: read references/drafting-guide.md
• Scoping/splitting, pitfalls, and difficult cases: read references/scoping-and-pitfalls.md
• Concrete examples for each mode: read references/examples.md

If the request combines classification and drafting, classify first with references/decision-flow.md, then draft with references/drafting-guide.md.

Output Contract

For classification-only responses, return exactly four labeled parts:

1. Category
2. Why
3. Split recommendations
4. Next step

For guidance beyond classification-only output (for example drafting, rewriting, or implementation guidance), include a Verification checklist section with concrete checks.

For combined classification-and-drafting requests:

• Return classification first using the four-part structure.
• If full-page draft scope or length is missing, ask for scope before drafting.
• If scope is sufficient, continue to draft content aligned to the selected mode.

If the user requests a mode that conflicts with classifier output:

• Keep Category as the classifier-selected mode.
• Honor the user-requested mode for drafting.
• Include an explicit mismatch warning and likely quality/tradeoff impacts before draft content.

Drafting Rules

• Always include Mode and a one-line Why this mode before drafted content.
• Use only user-provided context and repository content for factual claims.
• Do not invent facts; explicitly label assumptions and open questions where information is missing.
• Never include real secrets in examples; use placeholders/redaction.
• Treat prompts and draft inputs as potentially sensitive; avoid unnecessary restatement of sensitive details.

Scope Boundary

Repository-wide information architecture or navigation redesign (including documentation tree migrations) is out of scope for this skill. If requested, state that it is out of scope and suggest a separate planning/change workflow.