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| 1 | +--- |
| 2 | +description: Documentation style guidelines and writing standards for Apify docs |
| 3 | +globs: ["sources/**/*.md", "sources/**/*.mdx"] |
| 4 | +alwaysApply: true |
| 5 | +--- |
| 6 | + |
| 7 | +# Documentation Style Guidelines |
| 8 | + |
| 9 | +## Project overview |
| 10 | + |
| 11 | +This is the Apify documentation repository containing platform documentation, academy content, and API reference. The project uses Docusaurus with MDX, OpenAPI specifications, and follows Microsoft style guide principles. |
| 12 | + |
| 13 | +## Documentation structure |
| 14 | + |
| 15 | +- **Platform docs**: `/sources/platform/` - Core platform features and functionality |
| 16 | +- **Academy**: `/sources/academy/` - Educational content, tutorials, and courses |
| 17 | +- **API reference**: `/apify-api/` - Generated from OpenAPI specifications |
| 18 | + |
| 19 | +## Writing style & guidelines |
| 20 | + |
| 21 | +### Language & tone |
| 22 | + |
| 23 | +- Use **US English** spelling and grammar |
| 24 | +- Write in **inclusive language** - avoid gendered terms and assumptions |
| 25 | +- Use **active voice** whenever possible |
| 26 | +- Write for a **technical audience** but keep explanations clear and accessible |
| 27 | +- Avoid directional language (don't use "left/right") |
| 28 | +- Be **action-oriented** in descriptions and titles |
| 29 | + |
| 30 | +### Technical writing best practices |
| 31 | + |
| 32 | +- **Start with the user's goal** - what are they trying to accomplish? |
| 33 | +- **Use clear, concise sentences** - avoid unnecessary complexity |
| 34 | +- **Provide context** before diving into technical details |
| 35 | +- **Use consistent terminology** throughout the documentation |
| 36 | +- **Include examples** for complex concepts |
| 37 | +- **Structure content logically** - from basic to advanced concepts |
| 38 | + |
| 39 | +### Microsoft style guide compliance |
| 40 | + |
| 41 | +- Use **sentence case** for headings (except main titles) |
| 42 | +- Use **title case** for UI elements and proper nouns |
| 43 | +- **Bold** for UI elements, buttons, menu items |
| 44 | +- _Italics_ for emphasis and new terms |
| 45 | +- `code` for inline code, file names, and technical terms |
| 46 | +- Use **numbered lists** for sequential steps |
| 47 | +- Use **bullet points** for non-sequential items |
| 48 | + |
| 49 | +## Common patterns |
| 50 | + |
| 51 | +### Tutorial structure |
| 52 | + |
| 53 | +1. **Introduction** - What will the user learn? |
| 54 | +2. **Prerequisites** - What do they need to know/have? |
| 55 | +3. **Step-by-step instructions** - Clear, numbered steps |
| 56 | +4. **Code examples** - Complete, working examples |
| 57 | +5. **Summary** - What they accomplished and next steps |
| 58 | + |
| 59 | +### Troubleshooting sections |
| 60 | + |
| 61 | +- **Common issues** and solutions |
| 62 | +- **Error messages** and their meanings |
| 63 | +- **Debugging steps** for complex problems |
| 64 | +- **Contact information** for additional help |
| 65 | + |
| 66 | +## Accessibility guidelines |
| 67 | + |
| 68 | +- Use **descriptive link text** (avoid "click here") |
| 69 | +- Include **alt text** for all images |
| 70 | +- Use **proper heading hierarchy** (H1 → H2 → H3) |
| 71 | +- Write **clear, concise content** |
| 72 | + |
| 73 | +## SEO best practices |
| 74 | + |
| 75 | +- Use **descriptive page titles** |
| 76 | +- Include **relevant keywords** naturally |
| 77 | +- Write **meta descriptions** (140-160 characters) |
| 78 | +- Use **proper heading structure** |
| 79 | +- Include **internal links** to related content |
| 80 | + |
| 81 | +Remember: The goal is to help users succeed with Apify. Every piece of documentation should serve that purpose by being clear, accurate, and actionable. |
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