Courses: Documenting Java, Documenting C++
Related links: Instructor John E. Darrow [ resumé | main page ] Description Many companies are developing new or rewriting existing applications in Java or C++ and need technical communicators who can provide documentation for such applications. In most cases, it is enough for a technical communicator explain to the average reader how to use the Java or C++ application (for example, to document its graphical user interface). Companies have style guides for such simple tasks. But what if the intended audience is programmers who need to know the command line syntax of the program or the API of the program? What if that audience needs to understand the parameters of a Java applet for use in a web page? (See FAQ for definitions of each.) The technical communicator needs certain vocabulary and technical knowledge to provide effective documentation for such an audience. And programmers prefer to work with knowledgeable technical communicators. How is the technical communicator to get such knowledge? Almost all Java and C++ books and courses are created BY programmers FOR programmers, a significant mismatch for the needs of technical communicators, yet many technical communicators go to such programming classes (and, not surprisingly, are overwhelmed). These courses, in contrast, were designed FOR technical communicators BY a software technical communicator and programmer. He knows what programmers consider to be effective documentation (he has to read such documentation when programming) and helps the student understand the writing task from both writing and programming perspectives. He knows what technical communicators do and do not need to know about programming in order to dig through Java or C++ code and extract key information for an effective first draft of API documentation. It is the instructor's strong belief that a course of this quality and focus is a must for any technical communicator who is serious about software technical communication. Have students agreed? Overwhelmingly, yes. Read their comments for yourself. Objectives Upon completion of either course, the participant will be able to:
Intended audience These courses are ideal for:
The instructor paces the class according to the needs of those newest to the topic. Plenty of time is allowed for both beginning and advanced questions, though the instructor reserves the right to cut off tangents that do not help the class as a whole. Duration Documenting Java: two full day sessions Documenting C++: two full day sessions Combined course (Java and C++): three full day sessions See related FAQ items. Prerequisites No prior programming experience is required. However, this course is packed with technical concepts and the serious student should come prepared to dive into these topics and have the guts to ask questions when not clear on the subject matter. Methods Lecture, in-class exercises and a final. See related FAQ item. Suggested follow-on course Students who have completed either Documenting API course are ready for an introductory course in object-oriented programming. Such a course can give the technical communicator a better understanding of the needs of programmers and of the fundamental concepts and issues of programming in an object-oriented language. Consider the introductory-pace Java Programming course, which exercises and builds upon the key concepts presented in the documentation courses. Also available is a course on Reading Java Code, a survey course based on the list of topics of the intensive-pace Java Programming course, helping the technical communicator learn about the most commonly used keywords, utility classes and broad concepts in Java. Write for more information. Fee One programming language (two days): $2000/class or $400/student, whichever is greater, plus materials and travel expenses, if appropriate. Both programming languages (three days): $3000/class or $600/student, whichever is greater, plus materials and travel expenses, if appropriate. Class Size 35 students maximum. See related FAQ item. Room requirements One very large whiteboard or two small whiteboards. No computers needed. No overhead projector needed. John E. Darrow
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