Documentation and Context Management: A Practical Guide

What You'll Learn

This guide will show you how to create and maintain effective documentation for your AI-assisted development project. You'll learn how to manage project context, create specialized documentation, and keep everything organized and up-to-date.

Quick Start

1. Create a /docs folder in your project root
2. Set up essential documentation files (database.md, roadmap.md)
3. Add file headers to all code files
4. Start documenting as you code

Why This Matters

Good documentation is like a map for your project. It helps both you and the AI understand where everything is and how it works together. Think of it as writing notes for your future self and your team.

Essential Documentation Files

Setting Up Your Docs Structure

your-project/
├── docs/
│   ├── database.md
│   ├── roadmap.md
│   ├── components/
│   │   ├── frontend.md
│   │   └── backend.md
│   └── processes/
│       ├── deployment.md
│       └── testing.md

database.md Template

Use this template to document your database structure:

# Database Documentation

## Tables
### Users
- Fields:
  - id: UUID (primary key)
  - email: STRING (unique)
  - created_at: TIMESTAMP
- Indexes:
  - email_idx on (email)
- Access Policies:
  - Read: authenticated users
  - Write: admin only

### Orders
[Similar structure for each table...]

## Relationships
- Users -> Orders (one-to-many)
- Orders -> Products (many-to-many)

## Performance Notes
- Indexed queries to check first
- Common performance pitfalls
- Optimization strategies

roadmap.md Template

Keep track of your project's direction:

# Project Roadmap

## Current Sprint
- Feature: User Authentication
- Status: In Progress
- Deadline: [Date]
- Key Challenges: [List any blockers]

## Upcoming Features
1. Shopping Cart Integration
   - Priority: High
   - Timeline: Next Sprint
   - Dependencies: User Auth

2. Payment Processing
   - Priority: Medium
   - Timeline: Q2
   - Dependencies: Shopping Cart

## Known Issues
- List current bugs
- Technical debt items
- Performance concerns

Code Documentation Best Practices

File Headers

Every code file should start with this information:

/**
 * File: src/components/auth/LoginForm.jsx
 * Purpose: Handles user login form and authentication
 * Dependencies: 
 *   - AuthContext
 *   - ValidationUtils
 * Last Updated: [Date]
 */

Comment Quality Guidelines

• Write one comment for every 3-4 lines of code
• Focus on explaining "why" rather than "what"
• Use this format for complex logic:

// Why: We need to check both conditions because...
// Impact: This affects user session handling by...
// Warning: Don't modify this without updating...
if (condition && otherCondition) {
  // Implementation details...
}

Managing Project Context

Separating Frontend and Backend

When your project grows, split documentation like this:

docs/
├── frontend/
│   ├── components.md
│   ├── state-management.md
│   └── styling.md
├── backend/
│   ├── api.md
│   ├── database.md
│   └── services.md
└── shared/
    ├── constants.md
    └── types.md

Context Window Management

Think of AI context like a conversation - it needs regular refreshers:

1. Starting a New Session

   Current Focus: User Authentication
   Relevant Files:
   - src/auth/LoginForm.jsx
   - src/api/authService.js
   - src/context/AuthContext.js
   

2. Switching Context
   Before switching topics, summarize:

   Status Summary:
   - Completed: Login form validation
   - Pending: Token refresh logic
   - Next: Error handling
   

Process Documentation

Template for Common Procedures

# Process: Deploying to Production

## Prerequisites
- All tests passing
- Code reviewed
- Documentation updated

## Steps
1. Build Application
   ```bash
   npm run build

2. Run Final Tests

   npm run test:e2e
   

3. Deploy

   npm run deploy:prod
   

Verification

• Check deployment logs
• Verify database migrations
• Test critical paths
• Monitor error rates

Rollback Plan

If issues occur:

1. Revert to last stable version
2. Run rollback scripts
3. Notify team

## Maintaining Documentation

### Daily Updates
- [ ] Review and update roadmap.md
- [ ] Add comments for new code
- [ ] Update process docs as needed
- [ ] Check file headers are current

### Weekly Reviews
- [ ] Validate all documentation
- [ ] Update examples
- [ ] Remove outdated information
- [ ] Cross-reference links

## Common Pitfalls and Solutions

### Problem: Outdated Documentation
**Solution:** Schedule weekly documentation reviews and update as you code.

### Problem: Inconsistent Formatting
**Solution:** Use templates (provided above) for all documentation.

### Problem: Missing Context
**Solution:** Always include file locations and dependencies in headers.

## Quick Tips for Better Documentation

1. **Use Clear Language**
   - Write for your future self
   - Avoid jargon when possible
   - Include examples

2. **Keep it Organized**
   - Use consistent structure
   - Regular updates
   - Clear file names

3. **Make it Searchable**
   - Use clear headings
   - Include keywords
   - Consistent formatting

## AI Integration Notes

### Helping AI Understand Context
- Tag relevant files in conversations
- Reference documentation explicitly
- Keep context focused and relevant

### Documentation for AI Tools
```markdown
# AI Integration Notes

## Preferred Approaches
- Style preferences
- Code patterns
- Testing requirements

## Known Limitations
- Version constraints
- Performance considerations
- Security requirements

Next Steps

After setting up your documentation:

1. Start with the most critical components
2. Document as you build
3. Review and update regularly
4. Share with team members

Remember: Good documentation saves time, reduces errors, and makes collaboration easier - both with humans and AI!