Documentation

In computing, documentation refers to printed or electronic documents included with computer hardware or software that describe how the product works and/or how to use it.

History
Documentation was originally printed on, referred to as "" and described as "multiple kilograms of macerated, pounded, steamed, bleached, and pressed trees that accompany most modern software or hardware products". The rise of s in the 1980s and the Internet in the 1990s led to the transition to electronic documentation, starting with Read Me documents.

Hackers prefer technical documentation written tersely for developers, and hold typical user documentation in low regard due to it having been oversimplified and "dumbed down" for novice users. For example, Apple Computer's manual for its laser printers advised users to "not expose your LaserWriter to open fire or flame."