Wikis for Software Development

(notes for wiki orientation/instruction)

10.05.2006

Feature Wishlist

• email-notification (or RSS feed) for wiki updates
  • digest format (one email per day listing all changes)
• automatic signature of changes with log-in
• keep track of all changes
• enable easy viewing of recent changes
• WYSIWIG
• sidebar (for easier navigation to main pages)
• pdf or other easy-printing format (auto)
• calendar
• spam protection

Good For...

• documentation
  • editing by whole group
  • quick editing (one-click page creation; faster than creating/opening an office document)
  • all documentation in one location
    • one location means it's easier to determine the most current version (instead of multiple files floating around via email or on network drives)
  • simple to use
    • quick upload for files and images
    • simple formatting = quick way to add hyperlinks
    • can also use WYSIWYG
• discussion/questions
  • entire group can see answers, to clarify issues
  • easier to find than saving email messages
  • old questions or comments can use strike-out font (still have record of question, but shows that it has been answered)
• separate areas for different divisions
  • entire company can access documentation (view big picture)
  • organizing by division follows natural division of company
  • certain sensitive-information areas can be password-protected, if desired
• specific projects
  • easy to track progress of a project through added pages and the editing record
  • central location for project information
  • central location for project updates and discussion
  • easier to backup regularly than a forum or specific email messages
  • good place to organize meeting agenda and notes
  • can add calendar with deadlines and meeting dates

Templates to create:

• release notes
• meeting minutes
• informational/instructional

Notes

• locks pages during edit